New Delhi, January 6 – In a move that underscores shifting geopolitical dynamics in South Asia, China and Pakistan are intensifying ties with Afghanistan and Bangladesh to counter India’s regional influence. The seventh strategic dialogue between their foreign ministers in Beijing has unveiled plans for deeper diplomatic, economic, and security collaboration.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held talks from January 3 to 5. Their joint statement emphasized continued use of trilateral mechanisms like the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan foreign ministers’ dialogue and the emerging China-Bangladesh-Pakistan cooperation framework. These platforms aim to deliver tangible outcomes in reconstruction and counter-terrorism.
Beijing positions itself not as a zero-sum player but as a convener for Afghan issues, focusing on rebuilding efforts and anti-terror partnerships. The statement called for decisive action against all terrorist groups in Afghanistan, stressing that Afghan soil must not be used for attacks on any nation. This comes amid Kabul’s denials of harboring militants and its view of attacks in Pakistan as Islamabad’s internal issue.
Economically, the duo greenlit an upgraded ‘CPEC 2.0’ under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, welcoming third-party involvement under strict bilateral terms. Reports suggest extensions to Afghanistan, offering Kabul an alternative to Indian infrastructure projects amid ongoing debt and viability concerns in Pakistan’s BRI ventures.
As Turkey, Qatar, and Iran engage in mediation, China’s active role hints at a broader strategy to reshape South Asian alliances, potentially isolating India while bolstering a counterbalance network. This dialogue marks a pivotal moment, with implications for regional stability and power equations.