China’s Growing Influence
Didpress: Pakistan Today newspaper reported that China, in line with its principles of multilateralism and win-win development, once again helped promote peace and regional connectivity by bringing Islamabad and Kabul to the negotiating table.
Following the clashes between Pakistan and India in May 2025, many feared that India’s efforts to establish relations with the Taliban caretaker government in Afghanistan would put Pakistan between two potential adversaries. India’s Foreign Minister reiterated that India will establish ties with Afghanistan “at any cost.” However, the anticipated bilateral relationship between India and Afghanistan lost significance after China intervened to restore relations between Islamabad and Kabul.
China’s recent mediation overshadowed India’s efforts on the western front. The trilateral meeting between China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan held in Beijing on May 21 brought new hope to the regional political landscape. China, consistent with its multilateralism principles and win-win development strategy, facilitated peace and regional connectivity by once again bringing Islamabad and Kabul together for negotiations.
The meeting marked a sign of China’s increasing influence on the international stage, particularly in securing its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through soft power and fostering friendly relations.
During the trilateral talks, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to exchange ambassadors—a step already implemented—sending a positive message to regional and international hawks by paving the way for discussions on shared issues such as terrorism and trade. The meeting also created a space for confidence-building between the neighboring countries amid a brewing regional crisis.
Kabul has long sought recognition from the international community, but China’s support could be a decisive step forward, provided Afghanistan demonstrates its readiness to actively participate in shaping a cooperative regional environment by taking serious action against terrorism and making fundamental domestic policy reforms regarding civil rights—especially girls’ education—and forming an inclusive government.
Another major outcome of the trilateral meeting was Afghanistan’s accession to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. China’s multilateral approach to regional development and cooperation challenges the hegemonic principles of the United States in Asia.
More countries are joining China’s sphere of influence through its international institutions and initiatives—such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the BRI—signaling China’s growing role in global governance.
In East Asia, China has brought several countries under the BRI umbrella, reducing U.S. influence and opening new avenues for cooperation and economic development. Beijing has also decreased its vulnerability to U.S.-controlled strategic points like the Strait of Malacca by developing alternative maritime routes and ports such as Gwadar Port and the soon-to-be-completed Kyaukpyu Port in Myanmar.
The United States and its Western allies closely monitor these developments and are trying to contain China by forming alliances such as the Quad in the Indo-Pacific region.
The overreliance and unconditional trust that the U.S. placed in New Delhi have also been undermined, as India’s bid for Washington’s support in its recent military adventure failed when the U.S. declared neutrality in the conflict.
If current developments are viewed with neutrality and rationality, China emerges as the most active country promoting peace, constructive engagement, and regional development. The U.S. has historically profited from wars and has rarely pursued reconciliation or diplomacy in conflicts.