Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made an unannounced stop in Kabul on 20 August, his second visit since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, to take part in the sixth China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue. The trip came hours after meetings in New Delhi and precedes a visit to Islamabad, underscoring Beijing’s intensified diplomatic push in South Asia. In separate meetings with acting Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Wang said China wanted Afghanistan to combat militant groups such as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement and pledged support for the country’s stability. According to an Afghan foreign-ministry statement, Beijing is keen to begin “practical” mineral exploration and mining this year and has asked Kabul to formally join its Belt and Road Initiative. China also offered deeper cooperation in trade, agriculture and security. Wang is due in Islamabad on 21–22 August to co-chair the sixth China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. Pakistani officials say discussions will cover investment, security and regional connectivity projects linking the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor with Afghanistan. The shuttle diplomacy highlights Beijing’s bid to cement economic and security partnerships with its western neighbours as the United States maintains only limited engagement with the Taliban administration.