...But analysts say China's political ideology, pragmatism and cautious approach to international intervention all continue to limit its willingness to venture abroad on anything other than peacekeeping missions.

"We do not join in every legitimate action abroad, so if legitimacy is itself in question we are even more reluctant," said Shen Dingli, a professor of international relations at Shanghai's Fudan University.

"Also, why should China reinforce Nato when the Taliban is about to defeat Nato, and antagonise the Taliban to attack China? I think that Nato will be defeated by the Taliban, President Obama will leave, and foreign countries should be ready to work with the new Taliban government."