Assertive China ready to walk the talk? _        Author – Imtiaz Gul

As I look into this  piece, I see China no longer sitting on the sidelines but stepping right into the ring of South Asian diplomacy with its sleeves rolled up. By orchestrating a trilateral meeting with Pakistan and Afghanistan, Beijing is not only flexing its diplomatic muscles but also sending ripples across the geopolitical landscape. China’s message is clear: it’s time to walk the talk. From expressing respect for Afghanistan’s sovereignty to showing readiness to financially support Kabul’s reconstruction efforts, China is making it known that it’s not afraid to fill the vacuum left by the West. Its bold approach—such as accrediting a Taliban ambassador and offering humanitarian aid—suggests a pragmatic shift, aiming to win over the Afghan leadership while quietly sidelining Washington’s influence in the region.

But the bigger picture goes beyond mere optics. China’s intent to act as a diplomatic bridge between Islamabad and Kabul, extend CPEC into Afghanistan, and reinforce counterterrorism strategies is a well-calculated move in its chess game against the Indo-US alliance. At the heart of this engagement lies a double-edged reality for Pakistan: while China may be its economic and defense lifeline, the West, particularly the IMF and US, still holds the reins of its financial survival. This dual dependence is nothing short of a tightrope walk for Islamabad, demanding a balancing act between strategic interests and economic necessities. All said and done, Beijing’s assertiveness might just be the jolt South Asia needs—if only Pakistan manages to fix its house before relying too heavily on external lifelines.

Overview:

This article analyzes China’s evolving regional role, especially its increasing engagement with Pakistan and Afghanistan through diplomacy, development, and counterterrorism collaboration. It reflects how China is carving out strategic space in South Asia, particularly by leveraging gaps left by Western powers, notably the US.

NOTES:

This article shows how regional dynamics shift when global powers step in or out. China’s growing involvement with Afghanistan and Pakistan highlights Beijing’s bid for regional leadership, offering insights into foreign policy trends, power realignments, and geopolitical maneuvering. It also opens up discussions on Pakistan’s foreign policy challenges, CPEC implications, counterterrorism cooperation, and the balancing act between East and West. Aspirants should link this analysis with regional diplomacy, strategic alliances, and economic dependency frameworks when attempting papers.

Relevant CSS Subjects and Topics:

• International Relations: Regional strategic alliances, US-China rivalry, China’s foreign policy
• Pakistan Affairs: CPEC, Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, governance challenges
• Current Affairs: Chinese diplomacy, Taliban recognition, counterterrorism in South Asia
• Political Science: Realism in international politics, power transitions, foreign policy analysis

Notes for Beginners:

This article explains that China is becoming more active in South Asia, especially between Pakistan and Afghanistan. For example, China wants to improve ties between the two countries and has offered to help rebuild Afghanistan. It even accepted a Taliban ambassador, which many countries have not done. China is also pushing the Belt and Road projects like CPEC into Afghanistan, hoping this will stop groups like TTP from using Afghan soil. At the same time, Pakistan depends on both China and Western institutions like the IMF, which puts it in a difficult spot. This means Pakistan must manage relationships with both sides wisely.

Facts and Figures:

• The US previously funded over 50% of the $160 million annual UN humanitarian aid to Afghanistan
• China has already accredited a Taliban ambassador—something no Western country has done
• CPEC expansion into Afghanistan is now under serious consideration within BRI framework
• Pakistan’s solvency remains tied to IMF and Western financial institutions

To wrap up, In a world of shifting alliances and silent battles, China’s active diplomacy in the region signals a major transformation. The country isn’t just playing the long game—it’s playing it smart. For Pakistan, this is both an opportunity and a warning bell. Relying on external anchors without fixing internal leaks will only keep the country trapped in strategic uncertainty. The need of the hour is reform, not just reliance.