A unanimous way ahead

Pakistan, China align on Afghanistan, counterterrorism, development at strategic talks in Beijing

The 7th Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue in Beijing was apt in choreographing priorities for development, peace and security. The parleys went a step ahead as both countries agreed to look from the same prism on Afghanistan, and called for more "visible and verifiable" actions to dismantle the terror nexus in the southwest Asian state. This unanimity was highly desired as Kabul was behaving in an unforthcoming manner, and had annoyed other regional states too by boycotting a conference held recently in Tehran to discuss prospects of tranquillity and nation-building in Afghanistan. While the moot in China was bilateral in essence, it exhibited magnanimity by tapping the issue of terrorism and cross-border menaces, so that militancy does not come to ruin the prospects of flourishing geo-economics in the region.

The joint communique that followed the dialogue made a pivotal point as it resolved to work with the international community to ensure an inclusive government in Afghanistan and double down on the developmental horizons. Likewise, Islamabad and Beijing – by reiterating their focus on defence cooperation, investment and trans-regional networking – laid down a renewed doctrine to make CPEC a success. The second phase of the $60 billion mega project will see industrialisation take root and subsequently enable bilateral trade and logistics to usher in new vistas of cooperation. At the same time, on the geopolitical front, the joint statement was a negation of rumours that extra-territorial forces, especially the United States, had made inroads and dented the cordiality between Pakistan and China.

The deliberations have come at a time when peace is on a shaky note in Southwest Asia, the simmering Venezuelan episode is threatening global security, and rumours are rife of renewed meddling in the Middle East by Washington. Thus, the all-weather understanding between China and Pakistan will go on to insulate outside manoeuvrings by detailing attention to cultural and people-to-people exchanges, as well as proactive engagement in industry, agriculture and mining.