China – August 22, 2025
In a significant diplomatic event, top diplomats from China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan met in Kabul to hold the Sixth Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue, reaffirming their commitment to stronger political, economic, and security cooperation. The high-level meeting, the first of its kind to be hosted in the Afghan capital since 2021, focused on shared interests including regional peace, trade, and the fight against terrorism. A major outcome of the dialogue was the renewed commitment to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan, a move that would significantly boost regional connectivity and economic integration. The talks, which included China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, underscored the three nations’ shared vision for a stable and prosperous region.
Headline Points
* Extension of CPEC: The three sides reaffirmed their agreement to extend the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan. This would involve improving road and rail links, with the goal of attracting more Chinese investment and boosting trade with Central Asia.
* Focus on Counter-Terrorism: Security was a central theme of the discussions. The foreign ministers agreed to strengthen joint efforts against transnational terrorist groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). The dialogue emphasized the need to “eliminate both the symptoms and causes” of extremist activity.
* Boosting Trade and Connectivity: The trilateral meeting committed to deepening collaboration in a range of areas beyond security, including trade, transit, and regional development. The diplomats stressed the importance of improving economic linkages and connectivity to drive regional growth and prosperity.
* Diplomatic Engagement: The dialogue marks a key moment in diplomatic engagement between the three nations. It is the first visit by the Chinese foreign minister to Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power and is seen as a sign of continued high-level talks and diplomatic ties between China and the interim Afghan government.
* A Broader Regional Strategy: The meeting in Kabul can be seen as a preparatory step for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, which President Xi Jinping is set to host in Tianjin. The trilateral dialogue aligns with China’s broader strategy to use multilateral forums to promote a new model of regional cooperation and a multi-polar world.
