China, Pakistan and Bangladesh in talks to form new South Asian bloc

China, Pakistan and Bangladesh are in advanced talks to establish a new regional cooperation framework that could serve as an alternative to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), according to a report by Pakistan’s Express Tribune.

Citing diplomatic sources, the report said high-level discussions took place on 19 June in Kunming, China, where officials from the three countries explored the groundwork for a broader regional alliance. The aim, reportedly, is to create a platform that could include other South Asian states frustrated by SAARC’s prolonged inactivity.

SAARC, founded in 1985 in Dhaka, has been largely dormant since 2016, when its 19th summit was cancelled following withdrawals by India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan. The boycott was in protest over security tensions in the region, particularly between India and Pakistan.

The proposed new bloc would prioritise economic integration, infrastructure connectivity and regional cooperation. Sources quoted by the Express Tribune suggested that Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Afghanistan could be invited to join. India, while likely to receive an invitation, is not expected to participate due to ongoing strategic rifts with both Pakistan and China.

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