Tri-Nation Corridor to Redefine Regional Power Dynamics
The emerging strategic collaboration among China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh is poised to reshape the geopolitical and economic contours of South Asia. This tri-nation partnership, highlighted by Prof. Cheng Xizhong, Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute, signals a powerful shift towards regional cooperation rooted in mutual benefit, economic integration, and security alignment.
According to Prof. Cheng, the longstanding dominance of a regional power has hindered inclusive development in South Asia. However, the proposed trilateral cooperation framework, including the development of a multi-country economic corridor, is strategically positioned to challenge this imbalance. This collaboration—particularly the connectivity between Gwadar Port in Pakistan and Chittagong Port in Bangladesh—aims to diversify trade routes and reduce overdependence on traditional maritime pathways.
The extension of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Bangladesh and beyond, along with initiatives such as joint industrial parks and logistics systems, marks a new era of interconnected growth. These developments contribute to a sustainable economic model by forming a closed-loop of resources, manufacturing, and markets, lessening external reliance.
Recent improvements in Pakistan-Bangladesh relations—including trade resumption, defence exchanges, and strategic dialogues—are laying the foundation for this cooperation. The alliance is already making strides in joint counter-terrorism efforts and disaster response mechanisms. In tandem, China and Pakistan's work on water conservation projects has strengthened Pakistan’s resilience against threats to its water security.
This partnership stands as a beacon of non-antagonistic multilateralism, offering a cooperation model based on equality and mutual gain. It has potential relevance far beyond South Asia—especially for countries across the Global South. Through joint advocacy on global issues like climate change, digital governance, and economic justice, the trio aims to recalibrate the global narrative towards fairness and inclusivity.
Ultimately, this trilateral alignment is more than a geopolitical strategy—it represents a collective voice for strategic autonomy and sustainable development in an evolving global order.