To promote regional integration, Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan have agreed to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghan territory. The agreement marks a key moment in trilateral collaboration under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and holds the promise of enhanced economic and diplomatic ties across the region.
High-Level Trilateral Meeting in Beijing
The agreement was reached during an informal trilateral meeting which was conducted in Beijing on May 21, 2025. The meeting was attended by the various important people:
• Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
• China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi
• Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi
Officials has explained that all the talks and discussions as constructive and forward-looking, focusing on the future of economic cooperation, regional security, and all the mutual developmental aims.
Goals and Key Focus Areas
The three countries agreed to work together on various major fronts:
• Extend CPEC to Afghanistan to improve regional connectivity and infrastructure.
• Enhance economic cooperation via mutual trade, investment, and transit agreements.
• By promoting peace and development via regional integration.
• To nip the evil of terrorism in the bud through joint security mechanisms and intelligence-sharing.
Read more: Pakistan, China to expand digital ties with focus on 5G, AI, data centers under CPEC
Why This Matters
This trilateral consensus holds strategic significance:
• Afghanistan gains a critical economic lifeline through access to trade routes and investment.
• Pakistan strengthens its position as a regional connector.
• China furthers its Belt and Road goals by improving connectivity in Central and South Asia.
Pakistan and China: “Iron Brothers” Reaffirm Ties
On the sidelines of the trilateral talks, Ishaq Dar held a bilateral meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two reaffirmed the “iron-clad friendship” between Pakistan and China.
Major outcomes of the bilateral meeting:
• Pakistan reiterated support for China’s major national interests.
• China again stated that he will support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and economic development.
• Both countries welcomed third-party participation in the second phase of CPEC.
• They pledged to strengthen cooperation in:
o Agriculture
o Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
o Industrial development
o Investment promotion
Commitment to Regional Peace
The leaders also discussed broader geopolitical issues. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar raised the Jammu and Kashmir issue, calling for:
• A peaceful resolution in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
• Respect for international law and regional stability.
What’s Next?
With the agreement to extend CPEC into Afghanistan:
• The region could see increased infrastructure investment, job creation, and trade.
• Afghanistan may benefit from economic integration and long-term development.
• Security collaboration could assist in stabilizing sensitive border areas.
This development is just creating a new era of cooperation between Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan, rooted in shared goals of connectivity, peace, and prosperity. If successfully implemented, this CPEC extension could become a highly transforming and enthralling project for the entire region.