Three Chinese citizens were killed and one injured during an armed incursion from Afghanistan into Tajikistan's Khatlon province on November 26-27, prompting Beijing to issue urgent warnings about the region's deteriorating security.

The Chinese Embassy in Tajikistan confirmed the deaths on Friday, strongly condemning what it described as a "serious crime" while expressing condolences to the victims' families. A diplomatic working group has been dispatched to the affected area in the Shamsiddin-Shohin district.

According to Tajikistan's Foreign Ministry, attackers deployed firearms and grenade-carrying drones during the nighttime assault, expressing grave concern over the incident and condemning the criminal groups responsible.

In an unusually direct statement posted on WeChat, the Chinese Embassy urged all nationals to avoid investing or working in the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border regions, recommending immediate evacuation from the area. The embassy has demanded a thorough investigation, strict punishment for perpetrators, and enhanced protective measures for Chinese citizens.

Context of heightened tensions

The attack took place against a backdrop of complex regional dynamics. China has positioned Tajikistan as a critical buffer zone against terrorist spillover from Afghanistan, funding border outposts and military infrastructure to prevent militant groups from reaching the Xinjiang province.

Despite these security concerns, Beijing has simultaneously expanded economic engagement with Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, accepting ambassador credentials in early 2024 and granting zero-tariff access to Afghan exports. Chinese firms have restarted operations at Afghanistan's Mes Aynak copper mine and are exploring regional oil extraction.

Relations between Tajikistan and Afghanistan have remained strained since the 2021 Taliban takeover, with ethnic tensions complicating diplomatic engagement.