'We require more minerals.'
https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/23/asia/karachi-chinese-consulate-attack-intl/index.html
Huh. I wonder if the Chinese are going to take on the role of tedious and seemingly endless Middle East occupations. Aside from the New Silk Road, I'd be willing to bet that Chinese activity in Pakistan and Afghanistan is more about the rare earth element motherlode found in the region in recent history.