China, Pakistan Sign Key Trade Pact, Plan CPEC Expansion to Afghanistan

Amid ongoing tensions between India and China, a significant development has taken place as China and Pakistan have signed a new agreement aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation. Pakistan has hailed this move as one of its major diplomatic achievements.

The announcement came after a meeting on Tuesday between Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. Following the talks, both sides agreed to enhance collaboration across various sectors, including trade, agriculture, industry, and infrastructure.

According to the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders discussed extending the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan. They emphasized the need for regional stability and affirmed their joint commitment to peace and development in South Asia.

The CPEC, a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, links western China to the Arabian Sea through Pakistan’s Gwadar port in Balochistan. This corridor is considered vital for China’s strategic and commercial interests. With Gwadar’s development progressing, Chinese cargo ships will have a more secure route through the Persian Gulf, reducing their dependency on the vulnerable Strait of Malacca.

This visit marks Pakistan’s first high-level diplomatic engagement with China following India’s recent Operation Sindoor. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ishaq Dar reiterated the importance of strong diplomatic ties between China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. He said the three nations are aligned in their vision for promoting peace, development, and connectivity across the region.

Dar also confirmed that an agreement had been reached to extend the CPEC into Afghanistan, potentially opening new avenues for trade and regional integration.

The renewed partnership highlights China and Pakistan’s growing strategic cooperation and shared interest in countering regional challenges, particularly in the context of India’s rising influence.