Trilateral Meeting: China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh
China recently hosted a trilateral meeting involving the foreign secretaries of Pakistan and Bangladesh, marking a significant diplomatic development from the perspective of India. The meeting, held in Kunming, Yunnan Province, aimed to enhance cooperation among the three countries.
Areas of Cooperation
- Trade
- Investment
- Health
- Education
- Maritime Affairs
Outcomes of the Meeting
- The formation of a working group to implement the agreements reached.
- The meeting emphasized true multilateralism and open regionalism without targeting any third party.
Context and Relations
- Pakistan has been working to strengthen ties with Bangladesh since August, particularly in defense, trade, diplomacy, and people-to-people connections.
- The ousting of Bangladesh's PM Sheikh Hasina, purportedly influenced by Pakistan's Army and ISI, has shifted diplomatic dynamics.
- China has leveraged economic partnerships to maintain influence in Bangladesh post-Hasina's ouster.
- Attempts to limit India's access to the Chittagong Port have been noted, with two ships from Pakistan docking there since last November.
