China and Pakistan Eye New Regional Bloc Without India

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With SAARC inactive since 2016, China and Pakistan are reportedly in talks to form a new regional grouping, raising diplomatic concerns

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A key meeting was held in Kunming, China, on June 19, 2025, with Pakistan and Bangladesh in attendance—fueling talk of a new alliance

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Following media reports, Bangladesh clarified it was not part of any political alliance, suggesting its participation was exploratory or economic

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The proposed bloc seeks to fill the vacuum left by SAARC, which has remained stalled largely due to India-Pakistan tensions

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China’s involvement hints at its broader goals in South Asia—seeking deeper influence through regional economic and diplomatic frameworks

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Once led prominently by India, SAARC now faces increasing irrelevance amid shifting alliances and geopolitical rivalries

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