China-Led Talks with Pak, Afghanistan Signal New Phase in CPEC

On May 21, 2025, a significant trilateral meeting took place in Beijing, where the foreign ministers of China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan convened to discuss regional cooperation and development. A key outcome of this meeting was the agreement to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan, marking a notable expansion of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in South Asia.

Background on CPEC

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a flagship project under China’s BRI, aiming to enhance regional connectivity through infrastructure development. CPEC currently links China’s Xinjiang province to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, facilitating trade and economic integration between the two nations.

Details of the Trilateral Agreement

During the Beijing meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi agreed to deepen BRI cooperation and extend CPEC into Afghanistan. The expansion aims to boost regional connectivity, economic development, and stability.

Strategic Implications

The inclusion of Afghanistan in CPEC is poised to have several strategic implications:

• Enhanced Regional Connectivity: Integrating Afghanistan into CPEC could provide the landlocked country with improved access to trade routes and markets, fostering economic growth.
• Economic Development: Infrastructure projects under CPEC may lead to job creation and development in Afghanistan, contributing to its economic stability.
• Geopolitical Dynamics: The expansion may alter regional power balances, with China and Pakistan strengthening their influence in Afghanistan.

India’s Perspective

India has consistently opposed CPEC, particularly because parts of the corridor pass through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, a region India claims as its own. The extension of CPEC into Afghanistan may further complicate India’s strategic interests in the region.

Future Outlook

The trilateral agreement signifies a commitment to collaborative development and regional stability. The next meeting among the three nations is scheduled to be held in Kabul, indicating ongoing efforts to strengthen this partnership.

This development underscores the evolving geopolitical landscape in South Asia, with infrastructure and economic initiatives playing a central role in shaping future alliances and regional dynamics.