MT Desk: China, Pakistan and Bangladesh have formed a first trilateral forum, in a significant development that highlights new alignments in the region. The first meeting of the newly-formed trilateral meeting was held in Kunming, Yunnan province of China on Thursday.
The talks, held on June 19, brought together Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, Bangladesh`s Acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique, and Pakistan`s Additional Secretary for Asia-Pacific, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui.
Pakistan`s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch also joined the first phase of the discussions via video link.
Bangladesh had strained ties with Pakistan and relationship with China was not smooth during the 15-year-rule of Sheikh Hasina Wajid. But since her ouster in August last year, relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh have seen dramatic improvement while China has also stepped in to advance its interests.
The establishment of a trilateral forum was the result of behind the scene efforts by three countries. It will certainly raise eyebrows in India, which suffered a setback after the removal of Hasina government. Pakistan, China and Bangladesh, however, stressed that their new initiative was not aimed at any third country.
According to the statement of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Vice Foreign Minister Sun reiterated Beijing`s commitment to fostering a "community with a shared future" among neighboring countries. He described both Pakistan and Bangladesh as "good neighbors, good friends, and important partners in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation." All three countries are key members of the Global South and share the mission of national revitalization and modernization," Sun said. "This trilateral cooperation is not only in line with the collective aspirations of our people but is also essential for ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity in the region."
The trilateral dialogue focused on promoting economic development and improving the quality of life across the three nations. The delegations held in-depth discussions on launching cooperation initiatives in sectors such as industry, trade, maritime affairs, water resources, agriculture, climate change, education, youth exchange, healthcare, think tank collaboration, and human resource development.
The three countries agreed to establish a joint working group to monitor and implement the proposals and understandings reached during the meeting.
All sides emphasised that the China-Pakistan-Bangladesh trilateral engagement would be guided by principles of good-neighborliness, mutual trust, inclusivity, and win-win development. They also clarified that the framework adheres to true multilateralism and open regionalism, and is not aimed against any third party. The meeting marks a new phase in regional diplomacy, with China aiming to build broader cooperative platforms that extend beyond traditional bilateral engagements.
Observers say the Kunming meeting could serve as a foundation for future China-led initiatives in South Asia, with an emphasis on development-driven diplomacy.