On August 20, 2025, the 6th Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue, held in Kabul, is a significant diplomatic milestone as for the first time since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China sat together at one table. At the core of this achievement lies China’s contributions to guarantee regional stability.
The meeting focused on two critical areas i.e., counterterrorism and economic cooperation. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi clearly expressed Beijing’s concerns and emphasized that the terrorist organizations operating from Afghanistan pose a critical threat not only to China but to Pakistan as well. He highlighted the bitter reality that Afghanistan has become a hub for terrorist groups. China has consistently emphasized to Kabul that development depends upon security, and that true peace and prosperity in the region will only be possible if the Afghan government takes firm action against terrorism.
In today’s world, where big powers prefer interference in the domestic affairs of other states, China always supports dialogue and partnership. For years, Beijing has quietly tried to normalize the relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Whenever tensions rose, particularly due to present Afghan government’s inability to control the flow of terrorism from Afghanistan towards Pakistan, China stepped in to help ease the situation. By keeping dialogue alive, it reminded both sides that their futures are connected and that working together is the best way forward.
On the economic front, China again showed its vision by agreeing with Pakistan to extend the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan. This project is not merely about roads and trade; it is about giving Afghanistan a genuine chance to lay the foundations of development and linking it to Central Asia and beyond. As we know that Pakistan is progressing towards the Phase II of the CPEC which is connecting Central Asia to Pakistan through Afghanistan and when the trade will start, it will not only benefit Central Asia but also Afghanistan by creating jobs, enhancing connectivity, and offering long term stability. Furthermore, it is worth pointing out that Beijing is continuously investing in Afghanistan through infrastructure, construction and mining projects. It has also established a bus manufacturing plant in Afghanistan that is helping Afghanistan establish its own buses. These contributions clearly show China’s belief in partnership, progress, and sovereignty rather than interference.
The summit concluded with a joint resolve to cooperate in trade, transit, health, education, culture, and narcotics control. But the true achievement lies in the fact that China has brought Afghanistan and Pakistan to the same platform, reminding them of the power of friendship over division.
This meeting stands out as a genuine hope for regional stability because China is positioned between Pakistan and Afghanistan and is working tirelessly to bridge their differences. By bringing both the countries to one platform, China wants to convey the message that cooperation, rather than conflict and misunderstandings, is the path forward for the region.
To conclude with, in today’s unpredictable world, China has emerged as a source of stability, progress, and peace. By promoting dialogue, cooperation, and offering practical solutions, Beijing has shown that it is not just a participant, but the driving force in shaping a more stable and prosperous future for South Asia.
Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF).
