News Analysis Beijing is taking full advantage of the U.S. and NATO forces’ imminent departure from Afghanistan. President Biden announced in early July that U.S. forces will leave Afghanistan by Aug. 31, a deadline moved up from Sept. 11. Meanwhile, the Taliban is rapidly increasing its advances in Afghanistan as the American drawdown nears. Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby announced on Aug. 9 that the U.S. forces continue to host conversations with Pakistan, underscoring the role of Pakistan as a key mediator as the conflict continues after the U.S.-NATO departure. Kirby said the U.S. government is deeply concerned about the growing security crisis from the Taliban’s bold onslaught, noting the deteriorating security situation in the country. Anticipating a power shift in the region, the Chinese regime recently hosted a delegation of the Taliban in Tianjin City. The regime’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi on July 28 met with senior Taliban leader Mullah …