China offers to build rail, road links between Pak, Afghanistan to seek 'greater role' in region

Seeking a more active role in Afghanistan, China has reportedly promised to build a hydroelectric power plant in a conflict-torn region on Afghan border and rail and road links to Pakistan.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying confirmed that the nation had agreed to support relevant initiatives for projects including, the Kunar hydropower plant and strengthening of road and rail connections between Afghanistan and Pakistan, reported the Dawn.

After senior Afghan, Chinese and Pakistani diplomats met in Kabul, Afghan foreign ministry spokesman, Sirajul Haq Siraj, said that the amount of funds that will be allocated for these projects will be decided in later trilateral meetings.

The proposed 1,500 megawatt dam on the Kunar River was previously being supported only by Pakistan, which would buy some of the electricity it generates.

China's participation is expected to speed up these projects, though major Chinese investments including, a large copper mine and railway link near Kabul, have been put on hold due to militant violence.

A statement released by Pakistan said that the three sides resolved to make "concerted efforts in maintaining peace and stability in Afghanistan."

China has growing interests in Afghanistan as the nation would provide China's landlocked west a possible route to the sea.