China to Host Trilateral Talks with Pakistan and Afghanistan Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions

May 18, 2025: In a significant diplomatic development, China will host trilateral talks with Pakistan and Afghanistan as part of efforts to address escalating regional tensions and strengthen cooperation.

According to ARY News, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will travel to Beijing on Monday, where he is scheduled to meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Afghanistan’s interim Foreign Minister Ameer Khan Muttaqi is also expected to arrive in the Chinese capital on May 20.

Also Read: Series of Earthquakes Rattle Afghanistan, Highlighting Ongoing Seismic Vulnerability

The visit will include a trilateral meeting between the foreign ministers of China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, with discussions likely to center on the evolving regional security situation, rising India-Pakistan tensions, and strategies to enhance trade and cross-border cooperation.

These diplomatic engagements follow a recent surge in hostilities in South Asia, particularly after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 26 fatalities. In retaliation, India launched “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian operation reportedly eliminated over 100 militants linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

In response, Pakistan violated the existing ceasefire, initiating cross-border shelling and drone attacks along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border, prompting India to strike back with coordinated military operations that neutralized radar systems, communication hubs, and caused significant damage to 11 Pakistani airbases.

Amid the escalation, a mutual ceasefire was agreed upon on May 10. In a rare admission, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly confirmed that Indian ballistic missiles struck critical military targets, including the Nur Khan Airbase, during the May 10 exchange. He revealed that he was informed of the strikes by Army Chief General Asim Munir at approximately 2:30 am.

The upcoming trilateral talks in Beijing are seen as a crucial move to reduce tensions and encourage dialogue, with China positioning itself as a regional stabilizer. The meeting will also explore avenues for economic integration, counterterrorism cooperation, and infrastructure development across the broader South and Central Asian region.