The writer is an economist, an anchor, geopolitical analyst
and the President of the All Pakistan Private Schools’ Federation
president@Pakistanprivateschools.com
China’s evolving role in global diplomacy, particularly its engagement with Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, is a significant development in regional politics. China’s diplomatic efforts aim to promote economic cooperation, regional stability, and security, contributing to a more prosperous and peaceful region as Pakistan emerged as a resounding victor in the Indo-Pakistan conflict. Operation ‘‘Bunyan Marsus’’ proved a metaphor for the professionalism and unwavering resolve of Pakistan’s armed forces, as the conflict was halted by a U.S.-mediated ceasefire on the request of India before it could escalate into a full-scale war. US President’s statement on Kthe ashmir issue back on the global stage. Indian attempts to declare Kashmir as India’s internal matter and a Pak-India bilateral issue have failed. In this situation, China’s diplomatic overtures have been instrumental in fostering ties between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, reflecting its broader strategy of regional stabilisation and economic integration. Afghanistan and Pakistan expressed clear willingness to elevate diplomatic relations and agreed in principle to exchange ambassadors as soon as possible. “China welcomed this and will continue to assist in the improvement of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations,” Wang said. He added that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) – a $62bn mega project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – will now be extended into Afghanistan. On May 21, 2025, an informal trilateral meeting was held in Beijing, involving Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. This meeting resulted in an agreement to extend CPEC to Afghanistan, aiming to deepen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for trade, infrastructure, and development. China has facilitated diplomatic ties between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, hosting a meeting on May 22, 2025, where they agreed to exchange ambassadors and enhance security cooperation. Further, on May 22, 2025, another trilateral dialogue in Beijing facilitated an agreement for Pakistan and Afghanistan to exchange ambassadors, a significant step toward normalising relations strained by mistrust and cross-border attacks, particularly involving Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed support, stating, “China welcomes this and will continue to assist in the improvement of Afghanistan-Pakistan relations,” aligning with its “mini-multilateralism” approach to address regional challenges. China’s maintenance of an ambassador in Kabul, alongside the UAE and Russia, underscores its commitment to engaging with the Taliban-led government, especially notable given the 70% increase in attacks inside Pakistan in 2024 blamed on TTP militants operating from Afghan territory. India’s diplomatic overtures to the Taliban, including a recent call between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Amir Khan Muttaqi, add complexity, with the Taliban expressing frustration over Pakistan’s refugee deportations and border closures. This context highlights China’s proactive role in mediating amidst regional tensions. This move addresses regional tensions, including cross-border attacks, and aligns with China’s strategy of “mini-multilateralism” to tackle challenges. As China continues to play a more prominent role in global diplomacy, its efforts will likely have far-reaching implications for international relations and global governance. China’s growing influence in global diplomacy has been a subject of interest in recent years. One notable aspect of China’s diplomatic efforts is its engagement with Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban. China’s evolving role in global diplomacy, its relationship with Pakistan, and its interactions with the Afghan Taliban are very strategic. China’s diplomatic efforts have expanded significantly in recent years, driven by its economic growth and strategic interests. The country has become a key player in global affairs, participating in various international organisations and initiatives.
China’s evolving role in global diplomacy and growing economic influence presents both opportunities and challenges for regional stability and prosperity. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) – a $62bn mega project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – will now be extended into Afghanistan.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been a major driver of its regional integration efforts, aiming to connect China with other parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa through infrastructure development and economic cooperation. China and Pakistan have a long-standing relationship built on mutual trust, cooperation, and shared interests. The two countries have collaborated on various projects, including infrastructure development, trade, and security. China’s investment in Pakistan’s economy, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has strengthened their bilateral ties. China’s engagement with the Afghan Taliban is a relatively recent development, driven by its concerns about regional stability and security. China has been working to promote dialogue and cooperation between the Afghan Taliban and other stakeholders, aiming to stabilise Afghanistan and promote regional economic development. Key aspects of China’s diplomacy in the region focuses on several key aspects, including: Promoting trade and investment opportunities, improving infrastructure, and enhancing economic development in the region; Encouraging dialogue and cooperation to address common challenges, such as terrorism, extremism, and poverty; Enhancing security ties with Pakistan and other regional partners to address shared security concerns. China’s evolving role in global diplomacy, particularly its engagement with Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, has significant implications for regional and global politics. Some potential outcomes include: China’s diplomatic efforts could contribute to improved regional stability, reducing the risk of conflict and promoting a more peaceful environment; Enhanced economic cooperation between China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan could lead to increased trade, investment, and economic growth in the region; and China’s growing role in regional diplomacy could have implications for global politics, potentially influencing the balance of power and shaping international relations. In the contemporary geopolitical landscape, China’s role in global diplomacy has seen a marked evolution, particularly through its strategic engagements with Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, underpinned by the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). China is increasingly playing a pivotal role in global diplomacy, particularly in South Asia, through its engagement with Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban. This involvement is driven by economic and strategic interests, with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) being a cornerstone of its Belt and Road Initiative. Recent trilateral talks in May 2025 in Beijing resulted in an agreement to extend CPEC to Afghanistan, aiming to boost trade and infrastructure. China is expanding its global diplomatic role, focusing on Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, with CPEC as a key initiative. China’s engagement aims to enhance regional stability and economic ties, including recent agreements to extend CPEC to Afghanistan. The evidence leans toward CPEC bringing infrastructure and energy benefits, but controversies include local unrest and debt concerns. Initiated in 2013 as a flagship project of China’s BRI, CPEC has evolved into a transformative framework for Pakistan’s economic landscape, with a total investment scope expanding from $46 billion to over $62 billion. The project is divided into three phases: the short-term phase (2015-2022) focused on basic infrastructure, energy, and port development; the medium-term phase (2021-2025) aiming to establish 33 special economic zones (SEZs), with nine to begin; and the long-term phase (2026-2030) envisioning integrated infrastructure benefits. Recent achievements, as of 2025, include the operationalisation of the Gwadar Free Zone, the establishment of SEZs like Rashakai and Allama Iqbal Industrial City, and the construction of the Gwadar Eastbay Expressway. In the energy sector, CPEC has contributed over 5,320 MW to Pakistan’s system, with key projects such as the Sahiwal Coal Power Plant (1,320 MW), Port Qasim Power Plant (1,320 MW), and Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park (400 MW). These efforts have reportedly increased Pakistan’s annual GDP growth by approximately 1.5%, with the Rashakai SEZ expected to create over 50,000 jobs. Social development initiatives include scholarships for Pakistani students in Chinese universities, vocational training centres, and the Gwadar Desalination Plant to meet local needs. China maintains an ambassador in Kabul, showing commitment to engaging with the Taliban-led government. CPEC, launched in 2013, has seen significant progress, contributing over 5,320 MW to Pakistan’s energy system and boosting GDP growth by about 1.5%. Plans include upgrading railways and expanding Gwadar Port, projected to handle $10 billion in exports by 2030. However, challenges like corruption, delays, and local unrest in Balochistan highlight ongoing controversies. Plans are ambitious, with the upgrade of the Main Line 1 (ML-1) railway for enhanced freight and passenger transport, expansion of Gwadar’s Deep-Sea Port facilities, and development of renewable energy projects to support a transition to green energy. Projections suggest Gwadar Port could handle exports worth $10 billion annually by 2030, with a focus on sustainable development, technology transfer, and agriculture.
Despite these advancements, CPEC faces significant challenges and criticisms. Corruption has hampered progress, particularly in the first phase (2015-2022), with delays in the second phase (2021-2025) attributed to political instability, financial crises, and terrorism, exacerbated by the resurgence of terrorism post-US withdrawal from Afghanistan. The slow pace has frustrated Beijing, and key projects like the ML-1 railway upgrade (costing USD $6.8 billion, with Chinese investment of USD $6 billion) are facing delays due to misunderstandings. Criticisms include perceptions of CPEC as a neo-colonial project, granting China undue control over Pakistan, akin to the British East India Company. Fears of debt-trap diplomacy are prevalent, with Pakistan’s debt to China standing at approximately $30 billion out of its total external debt of $126 billion, raising concerns of Pakistan becoming a client state amidst economic crisis. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cautioned on the benefits and risks of increased Chinese involvement. Unrest in Balochistan is particularly notable, with locals demanding a greater share in projects and resisting initiatives like Gwadar fencing, leading to protests and increased violence targeting Chinese interests, such as attacks by the Baloch Liberation Army in 2018. The extension of CPEC to Afghanistan, agreed upon in May 2025, marks a bold step toward regional integration, potentially boosting trade routes and economic development. However, India’s objection, citing infringement in Jammu and Kashmir, adds geopolitical tension. The trilateral talks also set the stage for the sixth Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kabul, indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts. China’s strategy of engaging both Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban reflects its aim to secure regional stability, crucial for the success of CPEC and BRI. This approach, however, navigates a complex landscape of local discontent, security challenges, and international scrutiny, with implications for South Asia’s stability and prosperity. The evolving dynamics of China’s diplomatic and economic strategies highlight both opportunities and obstacles in its engagement with Pakistan, the Afghan Taliban, and the development of CPEC. The success of China’s diplomatic initiatives will depend on its ability to navigate complex regional dynamics, address local concerns, and promote sustainable economic development. Ultimately, China’s growing influence in global diplomacy presents both opportunities and challenges for regional stability and prosperity, and its efforts will be closely watched by the international community.