The Kabul Tribune (KT) — China has established a new administrative area in its Xinjiang region near its borders with Afghanistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.
The newly created unit, named “Xinling,” is located near the
Karakoram mountain range and close to border areas connecting Xinjiang with
Afghanistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The area also lies near the
Wakhan Corridor, a narrow strip of Afghan territory considered strategically
significant.
Reports indicate that Xinling is the third administrative
unit China has established in the border region over the past year,
underscoring the growing importance of the area.
The government of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region
announced the creation of the new administrative unit on March 26, 2024, though
its exact administrative boundaries have not yet been disclosed.
Xinling is expected to operate under the administration of
Kashgar Prefecture, a historic city along the ancient Silk Road that is also linked
to key components of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Experts cited by the South China Morning Post say the move
is partly driven by security concerns, particularly those related to Xinjiang’s
western border areas and neighboring Afghanistan.
Lin Minwang, a professor at the Institute of International
Studies at Fudan University, said the step highlights the strategic importance
of the region, noting that the Wakhan Corridor plays a key role in China’s
broader strategic calculations.
At the same time, Yun Sun, a senior fellow at the Stimson
Center, said the establishment of the administrative unit represents a
practical effort to strengthen regional governance and enhance control over
border areas.
