China, Pakistan, Bangladesh Trilateral Talks: What’s Behind the First-Ever Meeting?

In a historic move, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh convened their first-ever trilateral meeting on June 19, 2025, in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China, sparking curiosity and concern across the geopolitical landscape. This unprecedented dialogue, attended by senior foreign ministry officials, signals a new chapter in regional cooperation, with a focus on trade, investment, and digital economy. But what’s really cooking behind this strategic alignment, and what does it mean for South Asia, particularly India? Let’s dive into the details of this landmark event and its implications.

A Historic Trilateral Summit in Kunming

The inaugural Bangladesh-China-Pakistan Trilateral Mechanism meeting brought together Chinese 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 joined the first phase of discussions virtually, expressing gratitude to China for hosting the event. The meeting aimed to foster cooperation in key sectors like trade, agriculture, digital economy, marine sciences, green infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges, with a joint working group established to implement the agreements reached.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong emphasized that both Pakistan and Bangladesh are “good neighbors, good friends, and good partners” of China, highlighting their roles as key players in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He underscored that this trilateral cooperation aligns with the shared interests of the three nations and aims to promote regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Why Now? The Geopolitical Context

The timing of this trilateral meeting is significant, coming amid shifting regional dynamics. Bangladesh-Pakistan relations have historically been strained due to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, with ties remaining frosty under former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, the ouster of Hasina’s government in August 2024 and the rise of an interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus have opened the door for renewed engagement. Yunus’s visit to China in March 2025, where he positioned Bangladesh as a political and economic partner, set the stage for this trilateral dialogue.

China’s role as the convener of this meeting is no coincidence. Beijing has been actively expanding its influence in South Asia through the BRI, with Pakistan as a key partner via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Bangladesh as a participant in BRI projects. This trilateral format follows a similar China-Pakistan-Afghanistan dialogue held in May 2025, indicating China’s strategy to create alternative multilateral frameworks in India’s neighborhood.

Key Highlights of the Trilateral Talks

The Kunming meeting focused on deepening cooperation across multiple sectors, with the three nations committing to:

• Trade and Investment: Exploring joint projects to boost economic ties, with Pakistan expressing readiness to enhance trade with both China and Bangladesh.
• Agriculture and Digital Economy: Promoting innovation and collaboration in food security and technology-driven economic growth.
• Green Infrastructure and Marine Sciences: Prioritizing sustainable development and maritime cooperation, particularly relevant for Bangladesh’s strategic location in the Bay of Bengal.
• People-to-People Exchanges: Strengthening cultural, educational, and youth engagement to foster mutual trust and goodwill.

The joint statement emphasized that this trilateral framework is rooted in “true multilateralism and open regionalism” and is “not directed at any third party,” a clear nod to concerns raised in New Delhi about the implications of this alignment.

India’s Concerns: A “3.5 Front War”?

The trilateral meeting has raised eyebrows in India, with some analysts describing it as a potential “3.5 front war” for New Delhi, building on former Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat’s concept of a “2.5 front war” involving Pakistan, China, and internal security challenges. The inclusion of Bangladesh, traditionally a strategic ally of India, in this China-led initiative has heightened concerns about a shifting regional balance.

India’s relations with Bangladesh have been strained since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, with incidents like India’s May 2025 ban on Bangladeshi textile exports and restrictions on certain products entering India’s northeastern states fueling tensions. Additionally, Bangladesh’s growing closeness with China and Pakistan, coupled with discussions about a “humanitarian corridor” to Myanmar’s Rakhine province—a strategically sensitive area for India—has added to New Delhi’s unease.

Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with users like @TheMrMittal noting that the Kunming talks are “raising eyebrows in New Delhi” and signaling China’s strategic intent to counterbalance India’s influence in South Asia. Others, like @dogarqasim123, have gone further, claiming the formation of a “new alliance” focused on defense, trade, and investment, though such claims remain speculative and unverified.

China’s Strategic Play: Belt and Road Expansion

China’s role as the orchestrator of this trilateral dialogue underscores its broader geopolitical ambitions. By bringing Pakistan and Bangladesh together, Beijing aims to strengthen its BRI footprint, particularly in the Bay of Bengal, where Bangladesh’s Chittagong Port has become a focal point for trade and maritime activities. Reports suggest that Pakistan has resumed direct trade with Bangladesh, with two commercial ships docking at Chittagong since November 2024, potentially challenging India’s access to the port.

Moreover, China’s growing naval presence in the Bay of Bengal and its defense ties with both Pakistan and Bangladesh could pose challenges to India’s maritime security. The trilateral format also allows China to advance its vision of a “community with a shared future” in South Asia, potentially creating a China-friendly bloc to counter India’s regional influence.

What’s Next for the Trilateral Mechanism?

The establishment of a joint working group to follow up on the Kunming agreements signals that this trilateral cooperation is not a one-off event. The three nations have committed to further meetings to explore practical steps for collaboration, with a focus on delivering “win-win” outcomes. Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch emphasized the “upward trajectory” of bilateral ties with Bangladesh and China, expressing optimism about deeper engagement in South Asia.

However, challenges remain. Bangladesh has yet to issue an official statement on the meeting, suggesting possible caution in fully endorsing the trilateral framework. Historical grievances, such as Bangladesh’s demand for a formal apology from Pakistan for the 1971 war atrocities, could also complicate long-term cooperation.

Implications for South Asia

For India, the China-Pakistan-Bangladesh trilateral talks represent a complex challenge. While the joint statement insists the initiative is not aimed at any third party, the strategic implications for New Delhi are undeniable. India must navigate this evolving dynamic by strengthening its economic and cultural ties with Bangladesh, addressing bilateral irritants, and reinforcing its position in regional forums like SAARC and BIMSTEC.

For Pakistan and Bangladesh, the trilateral mechanism offers opportunities to boost trade, connectivity, and development, particularly through China’s BRI investments. However, both nations must balance their engagement with China against their respective national interests and regional sensitivities.

Conclusion

The first-ever China-Pakistan-Bangladesh trilateral talks in Kunming mark a significant development in South Asian geopolitics. While the meeting focused on economic and developmental cooperation, its broader implications—particularly for India—cannot be ignored. As China seeks to expand its influence through alternative multilateral frameworks, the region is witnessing a reshaping of alliances and priorities. Whether this trilateral mechanism evolves into a robust partnership or remains a diplomatic experiment will depend on the actions of the joint working group and the geopolitical currents in the coming months.

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