The Islamic State Khurasan Province (ISKP) has markedly intensified their criticism of Taliban foreign relations in recent months with one of the primary targets being China. ISKP seeks to undermine the Taliban’s credibility amongst hardliners by pointing out the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) cordial dealings with a nation the Islamic State (IS) considers a primary enemy of Islam. Such narratives frame the Taliban as derelict on matters of East Turkistan, drawing a stark demarcation with ISKP fighters who are persistently speaking out and acting in defense of suffering Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang.