BEIJING: A Chinese scholar has described the recent trilateral talks between the foreign ministers of China, Pakistan and Afghanistan as a “positive breakthrough,” pointing to pledges on diplomacy, development and security cooperation.
Prof. Cheng Xinhong, Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute, said the model advanced in the meeting—“security through development and cooperation over confrontation”—offers not only a roadmap for Afghanistan’s reconstruction but also a potential new template for global governance.
According to China’s foreign ministry, Pakistan and Afghanistan both signaled readiness to upgrade diplomatic ties and agreed in principle to exchange ambassadors soon. Analysts say the step could reduce friction in South Asia and provide an institutional channel for resolving cross-border disputes.
Beijing reiterated its opposition to “external interference” in regional affairs and stressed that no state should permit activities on its soil that undermine another’s sovereignty.
Prof. Cheng noted that China pledged to continue advocating for Afghanistan in multilateral forums and to press for the release of frozen Afghan assets, a move seen as essential for Kabul’s reintegration into the international community.
The three sides also agreed to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) northward into Afghanistan, focusing on energy, transport and agriculture. With Gwadar Port serving as a hub, the plan envisions a China-Pakistan-Afghanistan-Central Asia corridor that could reduce Afghan trade costs by 30 percent.
Security concerns were a major part of the dialogue. The countries reached consensus on closer coordination against terrorism, with China pledging equipment and training for Afghan forces, while Pakistan committed to tightening border controls.
They also agreed to cooperate on curbing drug trafficking and addressing climate change—issues that have compounded regional instability.
Prof. Cheng suggested that if trilateral cooperation becomes routine, South Asia could emerge as a new growth pole of global development in the 21st century.
