ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The emerging trilateral cooperation between China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh centered around the Gwadar-to-Chittagong economic corridor is poised to reshape the geopolitical and economic landscape of South Asia, according to Chinese strategist Prof. Cheng Xizhong.
Strategic Importance of Tri-Nation Partnership
Prof. Cheng, Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute, highlighted the multi-dimensional significance of this partnership, noting its potential impact on geopolitics, trade, security, and global governance. “The construction of the three-country economic corridor and their economic and security cooperation are conducive to forming strategic constraints on the regional power,” he stated.
This initiative aims to establish a dual maritime pivot through the linkage of Pakistan’s Gwadar Port and Bangladesh’s Chittagong Port, thereby reducing reliance on traditional shipping routes and enhancing regional autonomy.
Expansion and Economic Integration
Describing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project, Prof. Cheng noted its prospective extension to Bangladesh and Myanmar. The development of industrial parks, logistics networks, and a closed-loop system of resources, manufacturing, and markets would reduce external dependencies and support sustainable economic growth.
Strengthened Bilateral and Multilateral Cooperation
Recent improvements in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations, including resumed direct trade, military exchanges, and high-level dialogues, reflect deepening ties. The three countries are also cooperating in counter-terrorism, disaster management, and water resource projects, enhancing Pakistan’s water security and reducing risks from regional powers.
Prof. Cheng emphasized, “The three countries emphasize the principle of equality and mutual benefit, and this non-antagonistic multilateralism provides a cooperation paradigm for countries in the global South.”
Boosting the Global South’s Voice
The trilateral cooperation also aims to amplify developing countries’ influence in climate negotiations, economic governance, and international rule-setting. Prof. Cheng pointed out that China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh can collectively “propose issues of common concern to developing countries and promote the adjustment of international rules in a more just and reasonable direction.”
A Model for Regional Stability and Global Governance
Beyond the regional scope, the China-Pakistan-Bangladesh partnership exemplifies Global South nations’ pursuit of strategic autonomy amid significant global shifts. Through economic complementarity, security collaboration, and governance innovation, the trio seeks to foster stability and development in South Asia while setting a precedent for non-antagonistic multilateralism internationally.
Despite facing external challenges, Prof. Cheng believes that “the deepening of trilateral cooperation will offer new options for regional and even global governance.”
