The future of economic relations between Afghanistan and China depends on the conditions inside Afghanistan. If Afghanistan becomes politically viable and economically profitable, the Chinese investors will pour in to reap the benefits, irrespective of who is in power. In this paper, we review the evolution of the economic frameworks that may enable cooperation. In doing so, we review aid, investments, technical cooperation and trade flows between the two countries between 2001 and 2021. In our view, evidence from the two large scale Chinese investments in Afghanistan show that technical, social and political challenges exist within Afghanistan that prevent the appreciation of the value of such long-term investments. Contrary to the common narrative that the Chinese will exploit Afghan mines and natural resources, we believe that political incentives may keep Chinese politicians partially interested in containment of the risks emanating out of Afghanistan. They are unwilling to resume a western style role in developing countries and Afghanistan will be no exception unless there is an unprecedented turn in the Chinese foreign diplomacy. Greater regional connectivity for Afghanistan as a small country, will bring more leverage and trickle-down effects of the global supply chain, of which China is a powerhouse. Domestic resources are limited and finite, therefore benefiting from the positive spillover effects in the region is a valid development strategy.