
News Topical, Digital Desk : China has once again taken a step that has the potential to hit India's interests in the long term. In a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Maulana Amir Khan Muttaqi in Beijing on Wednesday, it was decided that Afghanistan will also be included in the China-sponsored infrastructure connectivity project Border Road Initiative (BRI).
Under this project, the road connecting China's industrial cities goes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to Gwadar Port (Baluchistan, Pakistan). Now China's intention to connect Afghanistan with this port will be fulfilled.
Pakistani Foreign Ministry gave information
In a press release issued by the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan after the said meeting, it was said that, ‘The three foreign ministers have expressed their commitment to trilateral cooperation for regional security and economic connectivity. There was also talk about establishing diplomatic contact between these three, increasing mutual dialogue, and taking appropriate steps to increase mutual business.’
It was further said, 'There was also consensus among them on increasing cooperation regarding BRI and taking CPEC to Afghanistan. There was also a discussion among the three ministers on taking steps against terrorism and bringing stability in the region.'
China hit multiple targets with one arrow
- By preparing the Taliban government for the project, China has killed many birds with one stone. First, China has reduced the tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan to a great extent in one stroke. There has been tension between Pakistan and Afghanistan for the last several months. Even when India launched Operation Sindoor on 7-8 May 2025, Afghanistan indirectly supported India in the matter related to it.
- Second, India opposes the construction of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under the BRI on the grounds that it passes through a part of Kashmir that is illegally occupied by Pakistan. India intends to challenge this project by linking Chabahar Port to Afghanistan.
- Now China has indicated that it is still ahead in the race. In fact, immediately after the suspension of Operation Sindoor, when talks were held between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaki, the possibility of connecting Iran's Chabahar Port with Afghanistan through road and rail was also discussed. The Taliban had promised to cooperate in this.
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