Illustration: Liu Rui/Global Times

During the 20 years of the US and its allies' presence in Afghanistan, the Afghan people did not witness any significant positive changes or fundamental construction that would guarantee stability in their country. Instead, Afghans faced constant struggles with widespread criminal offenses such as murder, theft, and kidnapping, as well as administrative corruption.

Although the US claimed to have spent billions of dollars on Afghanistan, a significant portion of that money was allocated to US and NATO forces in the country, while another portion went to contractors supported by the US and a corrupt circle within the Afghan government. Unfortunately, the Afghan people did not benefit from this money, as it was not used for vital infrastructure projects. The few projects implemented, such as mobile schools and low-quality road asphalting, were mostly deceptive or token measures for the Afghan public.

Crucial sectors like agriculture, which could have played a significant role in the country's economic growth, and power generation from coal, water, wind, and solar energy, were neglected over the past 20 years in Afghanistan. The education sector, which is vital for a country's future, was also plagued by rampant corruption, with millions of dollars being embezzled instead of being invested to strengthen the sector in a country where a high percentage of the population is illiterate.

By supporting a certain circle within the former Afghan administration, the US allowed corruption to reach its peak in government offices. Unfortunately, most government officials prioritized filling their own pockets, transferring national funds out of the country and investing their embezzled capital in luxury properties overseas. Their families resided in opulent mansions abroad, while ordinary Afghans suffered.

The reason why Afghans continue to live in poverty despite receiving billions of dollars over the last two decades is the lack of fundamental work carried out in Afghanistan using US funds. The US, its allies, and their Afghan supporters failed to establish factories or foster self-reliance, leaving Afghanistan highly dependent on imports.

Afghanistan's new chapter with China brings hope for positive change. With the withdrawal of US and allied forces, the Afghan people can finally experience peace and enjoy a normal life, free from violence, military operations. Security is now ensured in Afghanistan, allowing people to travel safely throughout the country and attracting an increasing number of foreign tourists to its historical sites.

Freed from the burden of the imposed war, the Afghan people are optimistic about forging ties with neighboring countries, particularly China. China, as the world's second-largest economy, leads in fields such as technology, innovation, education, agriculture, reconstruction, trade, and industry. 

The Afghan people recognize that China can sincerely cooperate with them in various sectors and turn their long-standing dreams into reality. China's expertise and investment can contribute to Afghanistan's mining sector, as Chinese investors have the capacity in this field, and Afghanistan possesses rich mineral resources. This collaboration could lead to the development of Afghanistan, while benefiting Chinese industries.

Afghanistan, with its mountainous terrain and abundant resources such as water, wind, sun, oil, and gas, presents a great opportunity for Chinese investors to engage in low-cost, high-production power generation. Additionally, agriculture is another promising sector for Chinese industrialists to invest in and export high-quality products to the global market.

With 40 years of experience in poverty alleviation, China can assist in eradicating poverty through investments that benefit both nations.

In the education sector, China can empower Afghanistan's youth by sharing experiences and offering scholarships in various fields, including technology, agriculture, and other innovative sectors. By increasing scholarships and training programs to Afghan students in these fields, China can lay the groundwork for Afghanistan's self-sufficiency in the near future.

The Chinese ambassador to Afghanistan, Wang Yu, recently met with senior officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, emphasizing China's cooperation in education and healthcare sectors while expressing a desire to strengthen bilateral relations, trade, and transit with Afghanistan. A developed, peaceful, and stable Afghanistan is beneficial for the entire region.

The author is a correspondent for Afghanistan's Bakhtar News Agency. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn