Editor's note: Mariam Shah, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is an Islamabad-based independent researcher in the field of conflict studies and military psychology. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

On June 7, in another crucial diplomatic engagement, China, Pakistan, and Iran convened their first-ever counter-terrorism dialogue in Beijing. The tripartite security meeting discussed shared security interests and counter-terrorism in Asia at the director-general level. The in-depth discussions focused on regional counter-terrorism efforts, addressing the movement of terrorists across borders and other related issues.

As China strongly opposes and condemns terrorism in all its forms and considers it a common "enemy of humanity," it is committed to working closely with Pakistan, Iran, and other regional countries to effectively combat terrorist forces that threaten these nations' interests and regional security. This meeting is yet another testament to China's remarkable diplomatic engagement, evident in recent months. China emphasizes its willingness to collaborate closely with Pakistan, Iran, and other regional countries in taking decisive action against terrorist forces that threaten the interests of these three nations and regional security.

The three countries decided to institutionalize the trilateral consultation on counter-terrorism and security, viewing it as a successful step towards implementing the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and enhancing regional security and stability. There is a need for a more robust institutional mechanism for long-term counter-terrorism cooperation among the three countries. This dialogue will also lay a crucial foundation for future collaboration in other security areas.

The threat of transnational terrorism has affected regional countries for years. Some terror networks are still strong and threaten peace and stability. Besides, these challenges seriously endanger the interests of all the nations, including Pakistan, Iran, and China. The meeting agenda likely covered various topics, including the situation along the Pakistan-Iran border in the Balochistan region. Additionally, the security situation in and around Afghanistan must have been discussed as it holds significant regional and international concerns.

As the neighboring countries of Afghanistan recognize the urgent need to address the grave security situation related to terrorism in the country. There is a need to enhance anti-terrorism cooperation among themselves to form a unified coalition against terrorism as terrorist organizations like the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) pose significant threats to regional and global security. Afghanistan's peace is linked to the peace and stability in Pakistan, Iran, and the entire region. To tackle threats related to terrorism, it is essential to form a collaborative network with enhanced cooperation.

Moreover, the voices who thought China's GSI was just another "big term" without action or it is just a "rebranding" of the same existing security structure should take note here. The GSI aims to establish a new approach to security, emphasizing the importance of dialogue instead of confrontation, fostering partnerships rather than alliances, and promoting win-win outcomes instead of zero-sum games. It strives to resolve security challenges and foster a peaceful and harmonious community, as security and the development of states are all connected in this age.

Besides a major diplomatic initiative and a dialogue on counter-terrorism, this significant event highlights the notable shift in regional power dynamics and power structure. With an increasingly polarized global landscape, states with converging interests will become natural partners. There is a shift in partners within the region, with China taking a prominent role.

China is emerging as a sole facilitator and is powerful enough to influence regional peace prospects. The dialogue also indicates new regional alignments and developments as China brings together Pakistan and Iran, despite their ongoing border tensions. China has recently played a crucial role in facilitating a significant agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran. This reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran has resulted in reestablishing diplomatic relations between the two nations.

This first-ever counter-terrorism dialogue is a positive step towards peace, regional development, and connectivity. Undoubtedly, China, Pakistan, and Iran's anti-terror talks are a much-needed and successful step toward implementing the GSI and enhancing regional security and stability. Through other such initiatives, Pakistan and Iran will likely find common ground on counter-terrorism, including joint identification of terrorist organizations and enhanced cooperation in combating cross-border terrorism.

Peace anywhere is crucial for progress and interconnectedness; no development can be impactful and sustainable without peace and stability. This initiative taken by China, Iran, and Pakistan is a positive step toward peace, harmony, regional development, and connectivity. It's time for other regional countries to hold similar talks and collaborate to combat terrorism and promote regional security.

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