Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – As regional tensions simmer and alliances shift, the Pakistan-Afghanistan-China trilateral is gaining new momentum this summer, underscoring China’s expanding role as a key power broker in South Asia. Against the backdrop of heightened border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and intensified Indian diplomatic engagement with the Taliban, Beijing is pushing hard to transform the trilateral dialogue from symbolic gestures into actionable cooperation.
Recent high-level meetings and diplomatic exchanges indicate a renewed commitment to resolving longstanding issues—ranging from border security and militant safe havens to refugee management and cross-border trade. China’s strategic goal remains clear: securing stability along its Belt and Road corridors by weaving Afghanistan into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework, while countering threats posed by extremist groups operating near its western frontier.
For Western observers, this trilateral engagement reflects Beijing’s dual strategy of expanding economic influence and mitigating security risks in a region marked by volatility and competing powers. However, deep mistrust between Islamabad and Kabul persists, with Pakistan alarmed over alleged Afghan shelters for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the Taliban wary of Pakistani pressure.
Experts highlight that meaningful progress will hinge on establishing concrete mechanisms—such as joint border management, intelligence-sharing, and refugee coordination—moving beyond rhetoric to practical steps. As the geopolitical stakes rise, the trilateral forum represents a rare but fragile effort to stabilize one of the world’s most complex and strategically vital borderlands.
