Recently, China has garnered attention in the news as it brought together a quadrilateral dialogue with the foreign ministers of Afghanistan, Nepal, and Pakistan. This gathering represents a strategic geopolitical move in the wake of COVID-19, marking China’s effort to boost regional cooperation and assert its influence.
A Four-Pillar Plan: Combating the Pandemic and Bolstering Economic Recovery
During this dialogue, China introduced a comprehensive four-point plan. This plan aims to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and catalyze economic recovery, specifically underscoring the resumption of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) infrastructure projects.
The China-proposed plan emphasized good neighborly relations in combating the pandemic. It suggested the other three nations could benefit from adopting the jointly implemented prevention and control model by China and Pakistan. It further stressed the need for opening up ‘green channels’ at the earliest among these four countries. A ‘green channel’ refers to a customs-passing route for passengers who do not have dutiable goods to declare.
In addition, China offered its expertise in fighting COVID-19 to these countries, including the potential sharing of vaccines currently under development. This gesture was actively endorsed by Pakistan, Nepal, and Afghanistan, indicating their support for the four-point cooperation initiative.
Moving Beyond Pandemic: Other Key Discussions
China took this opportunity to extend discussions beyond the pandemic. The dialogue saw China proposing to stretch the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) up to Afghanistan. Alongside this, the idea of pushing forth an economic corridor plan with Nepal, namely the Trans-Himalayan Multi-dimensional Connectivity Network, was also placed on the table.
Reflecting a shared view, all four countries reiterated their commitment to maintaining multilateralism. They advocated for strengthening the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) role, backing a ceasefire in Afghanistan during the pandemic, and progressing on the peace and reconciliation process therein.
Underlying Implications for India
China utilized the quadrilateral platform to address issues with regional significance. It urged the three nations to leverage their geographical advantages, intensify exchanges and connectivity with Central Asian countries, and work collectively towards fostering regional peace and stability. These remarks assumed greater importance against the backdrop of ongoing border tensions between India and China.
Furthermore, the dialogue coincided with a time of escalating concerns over the India-Nepal relationship due to border disputes in the Kalapani region. The Prime Minister of Nepal, K.P. Oli, has also accused India of trying to destabilize his government.
Viewing the Way Ahead
The latest developments indicate China’s consistent strategic advancements in South Asia, which inevitably impact India’s interests. Some experts perceive China’s attempt to engage three members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) grouping – excluding India – as a provocative move. They argue that such actions should be seen as a clear message, marking a shift in the regional dynamics.
