Kunming, China: In a move likely to raise strategic concerns in New Delhi, China on Thursday hosted the first-ever trilateral dialogue with Bangladesh and Pakistan in Kunming, just weeks after a similar initiative involving Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The closed-door talks were led by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and attended by Bangladesh’s Acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique and Pakistan’s Additional Foreign Secretary Imran Ahmed Siddiqui. Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch joined the opening session.
The three sides agreed to establish a working group to pursue “good-neighbourly, equal and mutually trusted” cooperation. Chinese officials described the meeting as a step towards advancing peace, stability, and development in the region.
Sun Weidong called Bangladesh and Pakistan “good neighbours, good friends, and good partners” of China, highlighting their importance in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects. He emphasised that deeper trilateral cooperation aligned with the shared interests of all three nations and would continue through future engagements.
While the official statement focused on regional development and partnership, the trilateral dialogue adds to India’s unease over China’s expanding influence around its borders. New Delhi already opposes the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The prospect of Bangladesh engaging more closely with both Beijing and Islamabad, particularly under its interim administration, introduces new uncertainties for India’s strategic positioning in South Asia.
The working group will follow up on ideas discussed during the meeting, which may include trade, infrastructure, and security collaboration. More meetings are expected as the countries explore tangible avenues for cooperation.
