Pakistan, China eye new bloc replacing SAARC
Pakistan and China are working on a proposal to establish a new regional organisation that could potentially replace the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Discussions between Islamabad and Beijing are at an advanced stage as both sides are convinced that a new organisation is the need of the hour for regional integration and connectivity, reports Express Tribune citing diplomatic sources familiar with the development.
The recent trilateral meeting of Pakistan, China and Bangladesh held in Kunming, China, was part of those diplomatic maneuvers, according to the report.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The meeting attended by senior diplomats from three countries was the first of its kind that raised eyebrows in India.
The ultimate goal of the meeting in Kunming on 19 June was to invite other South Asian countries, which were part of SAARC, to join the new grouping.
India would be invited to the new proposed forum but given its divergent interests, it is unlikely to respond positively, sources told Express Tribune.
Nevertheless, other countries such as Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan are expected to be part of the bloc.
The main purpose of the new organisation is to seek greater regional engagement through enhanced trade and connectivity.
If the proposal is materialised, SAARC, which was once dubbed European Union (EU) of South Asia, would be dead as ever.
SAARC could not achieve its stated objectives as it remained hostage to adversarial ties between Pakistan and India.
The regional bloc last held its summit a decade ago. Pakistan was to host the summit in 2016 but India boycotted the meeting in Islamabad.
