Islamabad – Afghanistan will host a high-profile trilateral meeting in Kabul tomorrow on August 20, bringing together senior officials from Pakistan, China, and the Taliban government for discussions on counterterrorism, economic connectivity, and the future of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The day-long dialogue will see Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi convene alongside senior officials. It marks the first time the Taliban-led Afghanistan government is hosting such a trilateral gathering in Kabul, underscoring their bid for political legitimacy amid continuing international isolation.

Security at the Forefront

As per the analysts in Islamabad, counterterrorism will dominate the agenda. Both Pakistan and China remain deeply concerned about militant groups operating out of Afghan territory. Islamabad accuses the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of cross-border attacks, while Beijing has voiced alarm over Uyghur militants allegedly finding refuge in Afghanistan.

A recent United Nations report highlighted the presence of groups such as Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) and al-Qaeda inside Afghanistan, complicating regional security. Pakistan and China are expected to press Kabul for concrete assurances on tackling these outfits.

Extending CPEC to Afghanistan

Another major focus will be the proposed expansion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan. While an agreement in principle was reached at the last trilateral meeting in Beijing in May, implementation remains uncertain.

For Beijing, incorporating Afghanistan into the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) could provide access to the country’s mineral wealth and strengthen regional connectivity. For Afghanistan, participation in CPEC offers a potential economic lifeline—jobs, infrastructure, and investment—at a time when the country remains under international sanctions and faces economic collapse.

A Boost for the Taliban

The timing of the meeting is notable. It comes just days after the anniversary of the Taliban’s return to power in Kabul in August 2021. Hosting the Chinese and Pakistani foreign ministers provides the Taliban with a rare opportunity to stage a multilateral diplomatic event despite being unrecognized internationally.

Diplomatic sources suggest that Pakistan’s recent decision to upgrade ties with the Taliban was influenced by Beijing’s encouragement. China’s mediation role is expected to remain central in balancing Pakistan’s security concerns with Afghanistan’s push for economic integration.

Looking Ahead

The Kabul talks will build on the May 21 Beijing meeting, where all three sides agreed to enhance counterterrorism coordination and explore Afghanistan’s entry into CPEC. Tomorrow’s discussions are expected to revisit those commitments and assess next steps.

Later in the evening of August 20, Wang Yi will travel from Kabul to Islamabad, where he will attend the annual Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue on August 21.

For Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China, the Kabul trilateral is about more than diplomacy. It is a test of whether security and economic cooperation can overcome the deep mistrust and structural challenges that have long plagued the region.