Pakistan, China Plan CPEC Expansion into Afghanistan
Islamabad: Pakistan and China have agreed to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan, officials from Pakistan’s Foreign Office told the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs. The decision comes amid temporary instability in both Pakistan and Afghanistan, with China actively working to improve ties between the two countries.
Foreign Office officials noted that regional cooperation frameworks such as SAARC have stalled, largely due to India, prompting Pakistan to strengthen direct ties with neighboring countries. China shares Pakistan’s concerns regarding terrorism in Afghanistan, and both nations maintain a unified stance on security issues.
The extension of CPEC is expected to link belt corridors to the Maritime Silk Road, enhancing regional trade and connectivity. Officials emphasized that while the regional situation is currently challenging, China is facilitating dialogue and improved relations between Islamabad and Kabul.
Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary underlined that the country will not align with any single bloc and continues to play a significant role in global diplomacy. Joint military exercises with China and other partners are part of efforts to curb cross-border terrorism, reflecting the broader threat that terrorism poses globally.
#Pakistan #China #Afghanistan #CPEC #BeltAndRoad #MaritimeSilkRoad #RegionalCooperation #ForeignPolicy #SAARC #Terrorism #Security #Diplomacy #InternationalRelations #Islamabad #Beijing #diplomatsWorld
