China goes shopping

[Lance]

I very much doubt that, I've heard that they are actually canny negotiators and as prickly about their honour as the Chinese are. I can't see them happily laying down their guns for the Chinese.

Not sure they'd need to lay down their guns. The Chinese will just give them more guns and cash. All the better to keep the infidels out.
The Chinese aren't going to try and impose democracy. They want their new silk road. And if the Taliban are willing to help build it they'll pay for it.
It's not like China has put armies and workers into the African nations its funding.