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Chinese foreign relations

Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan Reaffirm Commitment to Counter-Terrorism and Regional Cooperation

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In a move aimed at strengthening trust and deepening cooperation, senior diplomats from Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan met in Kabul for the Sixth Trilateral Foreign Ministers' Dialogue. The high-level talks, attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, focused on countering terrorism, advancing trade and connectivity, and promoting regional stability. The countries reaffirmed their commitment to joint efforts against terrorism, extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan, and combating drug trafficking.

Key Takeaways:

  • The three countries committed to strengthening joint efforts against terrorism, with Pakistan urging concrete and verifiable measures against militant groups operating from Afghan soil.
  • Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to upgrade diplomatic representation from charges d'affaires to ambassadors, a significant step in normalizing relations.
  • China emphasized its commitment to advancing regional integration under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), welcoming the consensus on extending CPEC into Afghanistan.
  • The trilateral dialogue laid a fresh foundation for reviving cooperation in counter-terrorism, drug trafficking, and instability, with a focus on promoting economic growth and connectivity in South Asia.
  • The meeting also reaffirmed Afghanistan's commitment that its soil would not be used against Pakistan or any other country.
  • Analysts say China's mediation is driven by its dual interest in regional stability, protecting its investments in Pakistan, and limiting the spread of militancy into its sensitive western region of Xinjiang.

Statistics:

  • The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is considered the flagship of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and is valued at multi-billion dollars.
  • The trilateral dialogue, suspended since 2023, was revived this week with a focus on countering terrorism, trade, and counter-terrorism cooperation.
  • The Taliban government has consistently called for stronger economic ties with Pakistan and China, hoping to benefit from CPEC's infrastructure projects and Chinese investment.
  • The Afghan interior ministry had called for 'mutual respect and constructive engagement' with Pakistan and China, even as relations with Pakistan remain strained over terrorism concerns.
  • The Kabul meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

Sources:

  • Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO), "Pakistan, China, Afghanistan reaffirm commitment to counter-terrorism and regional cooperation"
  • Press release from the Pakistan's FO, issued after the meeting in Kabul.
  • Diplomatic reports, including the informal trilateral session in Beijing on May 21.
  • Background information on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

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