China, Pakistan & Iran hold Trilateral Meeting to Deal with Terrorism

China, Pakistan and Iran: The Trilateral Alliance to Fight Terrorism in the Middle East

Iranian Border Guards Along the Iran-Pakistan Border

In recent years, China's investments in the Middle East have become a primary target for terrorism. Just weeks ago, Pakistani police forcefully closed businesses out of fear that they could be potential targets for terror attacks. For Pakistan and Iran, the Islamic State and the Taliban pose the greatest threats to stability within their respective countries, as these groups continue to wreak havoc in the Middle East.

On June 7th, a meeting was scheduled in Beijing, where China aimed to find a resolution to the terror attacks. As mentioned earlier, Chinese investments and assets are frequently targeted by terrorist organisations in these countries. The trilateral meeting between the countries marks the beginning of a new anti-terror alliance. One of the key agenda items is the security crisis in the Pakistani region of Baluchistan, which is crucial for China's multi-billion-dollar economic corridor. Baluchistan is also rich in natural resources, making it an area of interest for economic development. However, the region is plagued by extreme poverty, crime, and insurgency. Combating terrorism in the area is challenging, as many terrorist operatives cross the border into Iran to evade persecution.

The Iranian province that shares a border with Baluchistan, Sistan-Baluchistan, also grapples with insurgency problems. Iranian Shiite government forces are currently engaged in fighting against several Sunni militant groups, which have carried out a number of attacks across the country. Iran asserts that Pakistan is not doing enough to curtail Sunni militancy.

Despite accusations of insufficient action from both sides, Iran and Pakistan maintain close diplomatic relations. In the past month, the leaders of both countries met at their shared border to inaugurate a new market and powerline. With China holding significant economic investments in both countries, this new alliance appears to be mutually beneficial. China's investments can now receive protection from terrorism, while Iran and Pakistan can address the growing threat of terrorism within their borders. The Taliban-controlled Afghanistan poses a major obstacle for the alliance, as it is believed to harbour and assist Al-Qaeda-aligned groups. Reports suggest that multiple key members of these groups hold influential positions within the Afghan government.