China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan Strengthen Trilateral Cooperation

China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have pledged to strengthen their trilateral cooperation in key areas such as trade, infrastructure, and regional security. This announcement came from Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday.

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Key Meeting in Beijing

The pledge followed informal discussions in Beijing. The talks involved:

• Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar

• China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi

• Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi

The three leaders reaffirmed their commitment to using trilateral cooperation as a platform to enhance regional connectivity and stability. They emphasized:

• Increased diplomatic interaction

• Improved communication

• Practical initiatives to promote trade and development

Belt and Road Initiative Extension

A major point of agreement was the extension of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) into Afghanistan through the existing China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This move aims to integrate Afghanistan into broader regional development plans.

Earlier this month, Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government called for “mutual respect and constructive engagement” with both Beijing and Islamabad.

Bilateral Relations and Regional Security

Before the trilateral meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described Pakistan as a steadfast and reliable partner, calling it an “iron-clad friend” and “all-weather strategic partner.” Both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in:

• Trade

• Investment

• Agriculture

• Industrial development

China also reiterated its support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Recent Regional Tensions

These developments follow a recent military skirmish between India and Pakistan, which ended with a ceasefire on May 10. During the conflict, China encouraged both countries to exercise restraint and resolve differences through diplomatic channels.

Shortly before the ceasefire, Wang Yi spoke with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, urging calm and dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad. Meanwhile, an Indian defense-affiliated think tank claimed that China had supported Pakistan with air defense and satellite capabilities during the standoff.

Conclusion

This evolving trilateral cooperation among China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan signals a strategic recalibration in the region, with significant implications for security, economic development, and geopolitical alignment.

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