Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan Agree to Extend CPEC into Afghan Territory

Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan have reached an agreement to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan, marking a significant step in regional cooperation and connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

According to a statement released by Pakistan's Foreign Office, the announcement was made following an informal trilateral meeting in Beijing between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

Ishaq Dar is on a three-day official visit to Beijing. This is the first high-level diplomatic engagement following India’s launch of 'Operation Vermilion Strike' targeting terrorist sites in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK).

After the meeting, Dar shared a post on social media platform X, stating, “Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan stand together for regional peace, stability, and development.” He also shared a photo of the three leaders together.

The official statement further said, “We held constructive discussions on enhancing diplomatic engagement, strengthening communication, and promoting trade, infrastructure, and development as key drivers of shared prosperity.”

The three countries agreed to deepen cooperation under the BRI and extend the multibillion-dollar CPEC project to Afghanistan. However, the project has faced strong opposition from India, which objects to the corridor passing through Pakistan-administered Kashmir, claiming it violates India’s sovereignty. The project is valued at over $60 billion.

Additionally, the statement mentioned that the sixth formal trilateral foreign ministers’ meeting will soon be convened in Kabul on a mutually agreed date.