RASC News Agency: Recently, images of Chinese tourists in Afghanistan have surfaced, showing them strolling through various regions of the country, some carrying weapons provided by the Taliban, while others are unarmed. These photos, which have reached RASC, predominantly feature the tourists holding weapons, occasionally posing alone or with Taliban members. Their presence in Afghanistan has sparked widespread controversy and garnered significant attention. Some tourists have visited specific locations in Afghanistan, including swimming pools and other notable sites, capturing and sharing their experiences. One such individual, Hui Zimo, a Chinese influencer with over 500,000 followers, posted images from her visit to Band-e Amir in Afghanistan last September. However, the Taliban has strictly prohibited the presence of women in this region.
In the images, Hui Zimo is seen wearing the traditional Afghanistani abaya, covering her body fully, with her face concealed. In a video, she highlights the behavior of Afghanistani men toward foreign women, emphasizing their relatively tolerant approach to foreign tourists. Despite being seen by the Taliban while driving alone, no action was taken against her. While the Taliban pose for pictures with her and allow her to drive, they continue to enforce a ban on Afghanistani women attending school or teaching. Some believe that the Taliban’s acceptance of Chinese women is part of a broader strategy to improve their international image and strengthen ties with China. Despite restricting Afghanistani women’s rights to education and employment, they seem to welcome Chinese women with open arms.
There are claims that these tourists may have been invited by the Taliban themselves, attempting to present Afghanistan under their rule as a safe and secure destination, while also pursuing objectives of their own. In several photos, Chinese women are seen smiling and posing with Taliban members, further fueling the debate surrounding their visit.
