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Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
China's strategic ascent and future of regional power play
The recent trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan in Beijing represents more than a routine diplomatic engagement—it signals a strategic recalibration in the evolving architecture of regional connectivity and cooperation. While not a summit in the formal sense, the high-level dialogue underscores the increasing importance of regional mechanisms in fostering peace, economic integration, and mutual security. While the meeting's immediate focus was on regional development and stability, it also fits within a broader context where global powers are redefining their roles. China's expanding engagement in regional diplomacy—anchored in initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—reflects its aspirations to strengthen development-led connectivity while promoting economic resilience across Asia and beyond. A centerpiece of China's regional outreach remains the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), initially envisioned as a bilateral economic partnership. Today, it plays a broader role in enabling regional trade and economic interlinkages. For China, such overland corridors offer viable alternatives to maritime routes, especially in an evolving global environment where supply chains are becoming increasingly complex. Afghanistan's participation in this dialogue signals its continued relevance to the regional connectivity vision. China's constructive engagement with Kabul—focused on infrastructure development, mineral resources, and regional security—reflects a shared desire to integrate Afghanistan into broader development frameworks, thereby contributing to long-term peace and economic opportunity. The idea of expanding connectivity from China's Xinjiang region through Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan to Central Asia is becoming more tangible. In light of shifting global trade patterns and regional realignments, land-based corridors provide a resilient alternative for economic cooperation among Eurasian nations. Beyond infrastructure, the meeting highlighted China's evolving diplomatic posture. By hosting such multilateral discussions, Beijing positions itself as a facilitator of peace and cooperation. This evolution from a traditionally reserved foreign policy to one of proactive engagement reflects China's growing role as a key regional and global stakeholder. Meanwhile, broader geopolitical developments continue to influence regional alignments. As international frameworks adjust to strategic competition among major powers, the importance of maintaining dialogue, fostering mutual respect, and supporting peaceful coexistence becomes increasingly vital. Both the United States through initiatives like the QUAD and China via the BRI are advancing development-focused approaches to regional stability. These efforts, while different in form, share an interest in peaceful progress. Pakistan and Afghanistan, located at the crossroads of major connectivity routes, stand to gain significantly from such frameworks. For Pakistan, deeper economic ties under CPEC represent both opportunity and regional relevance. For Afghanistan, participation in transnational infrastructure projects may support its long-term development and international reintegration. For China, a stable and cooperative neighborhood enhances the sustainability of its initiatives. The trilateral meeting in Beijing should be viewed not as a contest of influence, but as an opportunity for constructive collaboration. As regional stakeholders work together, prioritizing transparency, inclusivity, and mutual benefit will be essential to ensuring that strategic ambitions translate into lasting peace and prosperity. In a world increasingly shaped by shared challenges and interconnected destinies, initiatives that bring nations together through dialogue and development are vital. The recent trilateral engagement may serve as an important step toward a cooperative and peaceful regional future—one built on trust, connectivity, and common purpose. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
22-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Beyond borders
Listen to article Across the world, diasporas have played an important role in shaping global economies, influencing policy, and maintaining strong cultural ties with their homelands. Whether it is the Chinese diaspora's economic influence, the Irish diaspora's political advocacy, or the Indian diaspora's role in global technology sectors, expatriate communities have repeatedly proven their significance. Similarly, the Pakistani diaspora - spread across the US, the UK, the Middle East, and beyond - has emerged as a formidable force contributing to both their host nations and their country of origin. Multiple forms of immense contributions link to Pakistanis who live abroad. The remittances from overseas Pakistanis help improve the balance of payments situation. The Pakistani professionals together with entrepreneurs have demonstrated remarkable achievements through their work in technology fields, finance, medicine and academic sectors. Pakistani-origin individuals now lead globally as executives in Silicon Valley and contribute to international academic discourse while establishing themselves as global leaders. The diaspora population also plays an essential role by building cultural links which enhance Pakistan's international reputation. The Pakistani diaspora abroad uses their financial resources to support the construction of schools and hospitals as well as social welfare projects in Pakistan. Community organisations and advocacy groups work towards improving Pakistan's relations with host countries, facilitating trade agreements, and countering negative stereotypes. In moments of crisis - be it natural disasters or political upheavals - the diaspora has stepped up, mobilising resources to support relief efforts. However, as with other diasporas, the Pakistani community abroad is not monolithic, and internal divisions might limit its collective potential. Over time the diaspora functioned as a bridge between Pakistan and global communities yet recent years have shown a growing number of members who prefer to use their influence for partisan political conflicts. The Pakistani diaspora faces parallel challenges similar to those affecting other communities of expatriates including both the Cuban diaspora in the US and Middle Eastern expatriates. The political involvement of the diaspora leads to both the marginalisation of broader positive diasporic actions and adverse effects on Pakistan's economic and diplomatic relationships. Countries value diaspora communities that contribute to bilateral relations, business, and development rather than those embroiled in internal strife. For example, the Chinese diaspora's strategic engagement has facilitated major economic ventures like the BRI, while the Indian diaspora's cohesion has strengthened its lobbying power in Western capitals. In contrast, when a diaspora becomes fragmented along political lines, it loses its collective bargaining strength which diminishes its influence. Political alignments often dictate engagement, with some expatriates choosing to fund or support only specific political factions rather than national causes. This selective approach weakens the diaspora's ability to act as a unified force for progress. The lessons from successful expatriate communities worldwide emphasise unity, economic collaboration, and promotion of a positive national image. If the Pakistani diaspora can reclaim its broader mission - fostering development, enhancing global partnerships, and supporting national progress - it will reaffirm its role as one of Pakistan's greatest assets. While political expression is a natural and inevitable aspect of any expatriate community, it should not come at the expense of national interests. A diaspora that puts progress first instead of partisanship will create a connection between Pakistan and the world which leads to sustained prosperity and worldwide respect. The challenge now is to ensure that the collective voice of Pakistanis abroad reflects ambition, innovation, and unity - rather than division and discord.
