This brief explores China's engagement with Afghanistan after a U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. It outlines how increasing uncertainty surrounding the nature of the U.S. exit and its shift in policy impacts China's national and regional security and economic ambitions. Both China and the European Union have increased their efforts to support intra-Afghan reconciliation. Beyond 2021, which conditions for development and security cooperation are anticipated in Kabul, Beijing, and European capitals? What are China's expectations of Afghanistan's international partners, and those partners' "concerns" or "doubts" about China's intentions? In which areas is trilateral coordination most critical and likely to be successful in achieving common goals?