China, Pakistan, and Iran Forge New Counter-Terrorism Alliance in Beijing Talks
China, Pakistan, and Iran held their first-ever counter-terrorism dialogue in Beijing, indicating a shift in regional alignments. The high-level meeting, attended by officials from each country, focused on the regional security landscape, with a specific emphasis on the terrorism threat facing the region. Following productive discussions, the three delegations agreed to establish the Trilateral Consultations on counter-terrorism and security as a formal institution, although further details are yet to be finalized. This meeting carries significant implications for the region, positioning China as a leading player in shaping regional dynamics.
China’s growing diplomatic achievements, including brokering a historic agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, reinforce its influential role. Experts suggest that China, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Russia, among others, share natural alignment due to converging interests, amid a world increasingly marked by polarization. As this emerging alliance takes shape, substantial changes are expected in the geopolitical landscape of the region.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for Director General Abdul Hameed and Director General Syed Rasoul Mosavi to strengthen diplomatic ties by meeting with China’s Assistant Foreign Minister, Nong Rong. This trilateral engagement underscores the importance of cooperation and collaboration among the three nations in addressing security challenges and combating terrorism in the region.
ISLAMABAD:
China, Pakistan and Iran on Wednesday held their first counter-terrorism dialogue in Beijing in a move that suggests new alignments in the region.
The foreign office issued a statement confirming the first meeting of Pakistan-China-Iran Trilateral Consultation on counter terrorism and security was held at Directors General level on 7 June 2023 in Beijing, China.
Abdul Hameed, Director General (Counter Terrorism), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Bai Tian, Director General of the Department of External Security Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, and Seyed Rasoul Mosavi, Assistant to the Foreign Minister and Director General of South Asia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, led their respective delegations.
The statement said the delegations held detailed discussions on the regional security situation, particularly the threat of terrorism faced by the region. Based on the outcome of these consultations, they decided to institutionalise the Trilateral Consultations on counter terrorism and security for which further details will be worked out.
Director General Abdul Hameed, the Head of Pakistan delegation, and Director General Syed Rasoul Mosavi, the Head of Iranian delegation, also called on Assistant Foreign Minister of China Nong Rong.
A separate statement issued by the Chinese foreign ministry also said that the three countries had “in-depth” exchanges on the regional counter-terrorism situation, and decided to hold the meeting on a regular basis.
The meeting is seen as new alignments in the region with China in the lead role. Beijing recently brokered a landmark deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran led to the restoration of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Many observers believe that China, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Russia to name a few are the natural allies as their interests are converging in the increasingly bipolar world.
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