China urges evacuation of nationals from Afghanistan-Tajikistan border region

The Chinese Embassy in Afghanistan has issued an urgent advisory calling on Chinese citizens and companies in the Afghanistan–Tajikistan border region to evacuate due to deteriorating security conditions.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the embassy described the security situation in the border region as “complex and severe”. It said a series of attacks on Chinese citizens last November caused significant casualties and warned that further attacks against Chinese companies and nationals could not be ruled out.

The embassy said several security incidents involving Chinese-run gold mining companies had recently occurred in Badakhshan and Takhar provinces, resulting in deaths and injuries and damage to machinery and equipment.

The advisory urged Chinese citizens and enterprises in the affected areas to closely monitor the situation, strengthen security precautions and evacuate in an orderly manner.

It also advised Chinese nationals to immediately report any unusual activity or emergencies to local authorities and the Chinese Embassy.

Read: Three Chinese citizens killed in Tajik-Afghan border clash

The embassy also provided emergency contact numbers for use if required.

On November 27, 2025, three Chinese workers in Tajikistan were killed in an attack launched from Afghanistan near the border, according to Tajik authorities.

Muslim-majority Tajikistan, one of the poorest former Soviet republics, has expressed concern about cross-border militancy since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

President Emomali Rahmon, who has been in power since 1992, has been openly critical of the Taliban and has urged them to respect the rights of ethnic Tajiks, who make up roughly a quarter of Afghanistan’s population.

Read More: Tajikistan slams deadly drone attack from Afghanistan

Despite tensions, Tajikistan has also maintained limited engagement with Afghanistan, including diplomatic contacts, border trade and electricity supplies.

In December, Tajik state media reported that five people were killed in an armed clash on the Tajikistan–Afghanistan border, including two Tajik border guards.

As a result, Tajikistan sought an apology from Afghanistan, accusing Kabul of failing to meets its obligations to ensure security along the border.