Pakistan, China, Bangladesh Launch Strategic Trilateral Initiative
Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh have formally launched a trilateral cooperation mechanism, signalling a new chapter of “win-win cooperation” that could reshape South Asia's strategic dynamics. The mechanism was initiated during the first meeting of the Bangladesh-China-Pakistan Vice Foreign Minister/Foreign Secretary framework, held on Friday.
According to the Foreign Office, the meeting was attended by China’s Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, Bangladesh’s acting Foreign Secretary Ruhul Alam Siddique, and Pakistan’s Additional Foreign Secretary Imran Ahmed Siddiqui. Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch also joined the session via video link, emphasising Pakistan’s commitment to deeper regional engagement.
P.c. China Pakistan Economic Corridor
In her address, Baloch reaffirmed Pakistan’s intent to collaborate closely with both China and Bangladesh across sectors such as trade, investment, agriculture, digital economy, environmental protection, marine sciences, green infrastructure, culture, and education. She underscored the improving bilateral ties with both nations and highlighted the shared potential of people-to-people exchanges.
The three sides agreed to establish a joint working group to monitor and implement the outcomes of the talks, aiming to expand engagement beyond bilateral agendas. This move represents a notable development, especially as Pakistan and Bangladesh re-establish diplomatic warmth after years of distance.
The shift in Dhaka’s foreign policy under interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who has embraced regional cooperation beyond India-centric policies, aligns with China’s broader strategy of economic diplomacy and regional outreach. Yunus’s visit to Beijing and Bangladesh’s openness to Chinese investments in projects like the Teesta River and Mongla Port mark a significant pivot in foreign alignment.
China stands to gain through enhanced connectivity, influence in the Bay of Bengal, and strategic inroads against India's dominance in the region. The resumed trade and military contacts between Pakistan and Bangladesh further highlight this realignment.
As this trilateral cooperation evolves, it holds the potential to mature into a regional bloc that could coordinate on defence, connectivity, and multilateral diplomacy. Though still in its early stages, the institutionalisation of these trilateral relations sets the groundwork for long-term collaboration that may alter South Asia’s geopolitical landscape.