CPEC Expansion to Afghanistan Gains Momentum Following Beijing Talks

DIDPress: Foreign ministers from China, Pakistan, and the Afghan interim government gathered in a trilateral meeting in Beijing to discuss regional security, enhancing economic cooperation, and expanding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan.

In a statement released by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 21, it was announced that the parties emphasized deepening cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the development of the CPEC corridor into Afghanistan.

The sixth round of these meetings is expected to take place soon in Kabul.

Muhammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, described the meeting “highly productive” and regarded it as a significant step toward strengthening regional cooperation.

The meeting took place amid heightened military tensions between Pakistan and India, making regional security one of the key topics of discussion.

It is worth noting that a similar meeting was held in Kabul on May 10 between representatives of the three countries.

What is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)?

CPEC is a series of infrastructure projects being developed with Chinese investment in Pakistan. Initially valued at $46 billion, the project has now increased to $62 billion.

The goal of CPEC is to create an extensive network of transportation, energy, information technology, and industrial cooperation, stretching from the northeastern borders of Pakistan to the southwestern Gwadar port.

This initiative is a crucial part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and, with its expansion into Afghanistan, aims to further increase China’s economic influence in the region.