• China calls for deeper cooperation with Afghanistan and Pakistan during trilateral talks.
• Wang Yi emphasizes the need for enhanced security to counter terrorism.
• The Chinese Foreign Minister aims to include Afghanistan in the Belt and Road Initiative.
• Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan present challenges to regional stability.
• China's role as mediator reflects its strategic interests in the region.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Kabul and held crucial talks with Afghan officials to deepen cooperation on various fronts, including mining and integration into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This initiative forms a significant part of President Xi Jinping's strategy to bolster China's global influence, as Afghanistan is rich in essential minerals like lithium and copper. Wang expressed China's commitment to support Afghanistan's stability and urged the country to strengthen security ties to ensure economic collaboration, according to aljazeera.

During the trilateral meeting also attended by Pakistan's Ishaq Dar, Wang underscored the importance of enhancing security dialogue and cooperation among the three nations. He stated, "It is necessary to improve the security dialogue mechanism, deepen law enforcement and security cooperation, and eradicate the breeding ground for terrorism." This sentiment was echoed in separate reports from state media, which mentioned specific threats such as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, highlighting China's concerns about terrorism affecting its region, according to reuters and channelnewsasia.

China's diplomatic efforts aim to stabilize its neighborhood as tensions remain high between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Historically allied, the two nations have faced increased friction following the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Islamabad alleges that the Taliban provides refuge to groups conducting cross-border attacks, while Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of expelling refugees. With extensive investment projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at stake, Chinese officials advocate for improved bilateral relations to ensure regional stability, based on insights from aljazeera.

Amid these geopolitical dynamics, China's position as a mediating force reflects its strategic priority of securing investments and fostering development in the region. Beijing faces the challenge of navigating complex political landscapes while striving to promote economic and security cooperation. Experts contend that China must balance its ties with both Pakistan and Afghanistan, as ongoing insecurity undermines initiatives like CPEC. Indeed, the infrastructural development needs to overcome significant security threats affecting project execution, according to aljazeera.