Read the full event transcript here.

The U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan marked a significant shift in the economic, political, and security make up of South and Central Asia. With Afghanistan and Pakistan not considered strategic priorities in Washington’s pivot to the Indo-Pacific, analysts question whether China would fill the gap left by American leadership to increase its presence and influence in both countries. Statements from the Taliban regime regarding Afghanistan considering joining the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and Beijing’s USD $62 billion infrastructure and energy investment in Pakistan lend credence to these concerns. While wrought with challenges, connecting South and Central Asia presents significant economic and geostrategic opportunities for the region. At the same time, a resurgence of terrorism threats, potential for instability spillover, and domestic political power struggles in Islamabad and Kabul caution against Chinese involvement in the region.

To mark the 10-year anniversary of CPEC this July, join South Asian Voices for the first in a two-part webinar series discussing China’s evolving role in South Asia. In this event, authors will reflect on their recent contributions for an SAV series examining Chinese strategic interests in expanding its economic role in Afghanistan and Pakistan through CPEC, security challenges China may face in achieving its goals, and the broader geopolitical implications of this for regional stability in South Asia.

Check out South Asian Voices’ China in South Asia: 2023 series.