China has once again taken a step that has the potential to hit India’s interests in the long term. It was decided at a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Afghanistan’s caretaker Foreign Minister Maulana Amir Khan Muttaqi in Beijing on Wednesday that Afghanistan will also be included in the China-sponsored infrastructure connectivity project Border Road Initiative (BRI).
Under this project, the road connecting China’s industrial cities goes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to Gwadar Port (Baluchistan, Pakistan). Now China’s intention to connect Afghanistan with this port will be fulfilled.
In a press release issued by the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan after the said meeting, it was said that, ‘The three foreign ministers expressed their commitment to trilateral cooperation for regional security and economic connectivity. There was also talk between these three about establishing diplomatic contacts, increasing mutual dialogue, and taking appropriate steps to increase mutual business.