The broad contours of nexus between China, Pakistan and the Taliban are now visible in plain sight after the militant group has gone public in welcoming Beijing’s role in Afghanistan’s reconstruction and guaranteeing that anti-China insurgents are rooted out of the country. In an interview with the South China Morning Post (SCMP) last week, the Taliban’s spokesperson Suhail Shaheen, sought China’s support for Afghanistan’s reconstruction “as soon as possible”. Shaheen described China as a “friend” and promised to ensure the safety and security of Chinese nationals whose presence would be inevitable if Beijing undertakes projects after Afghanistan’s political transition, where the Taliban could play a dominant role.