The Taliban’s so-called commerce minister announced Thursday that the regime is nearing a trade deal with Russia to bypass U.S. dollar transactions, while also pursuing similar arrangements with China. The deal comes after Russia officially removed the Taliban’s terrorist designation in April, paving the way for formal economic engagement.
Haji Nooruddin Azizi told Reuters that “technical discussions” are underway between the Taliban and Russian officials to finalize currency-based trade plans. The move, he claimed, would benefit both regimes, each under international sanctions. “We want to take steps in this area with China as well,” Azizi added, revealing that talks are already ongoing with Beijing’s embassy.
The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021 following President Joe Biden’s botched withdrawal, breaking a withdrawal agreement negotiated under President Donald Trump. The result was a complete collapse of the U.S.-backed government and the reestablishment of a brutal Islamic regime.
Russia’s newly normalized ties with the Taliban are already yielding financial activity. The Kazan Economic Forum this week hosted Taliban representatives, who signed several memoranda of understanding reportedly worth “hundreds of millions” of dollars, covering sectors like mining, construction, logistics, and banking.
Meanwhile, China welcomed Taliban “foreign minister” Amir Khan Muttaqi to Beijing this week. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi endorsed the Taliban’s governance, echoing Beijing’s long-standing support and desire to fold Afghanistan into its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The Taliban’s appeal to both Russia and China is steeped in shared opposition to U.S. global influence and sanctions. However, neither country officially recognizes the Taliban as Afghanistan’s legitimate government. Still, growing economic ties hint at shifting geopolitical alliances built on mutual convenience and authoritarian interests.
The Taliban’s deepening ties with Russia and China mark a strategic shift in Afghanistan’s economic alignment, as the isolated regime seeks legitimacy and financial lifelines. By pushing to replace the U.S. dollar in trade, the Taliban aims to sidestep Western sanctions while embedding itself within anti-Western economic spheres. These developments also raise alarms in Washington and among allies, as two of America’s chief adversaries openly engage with a terrorist regime that continues to oppress its own people and destabilize regional security.
