South Asian Security Tensions, China-Pakistan Attacks, and Strategic Resource Competition

Recent South Asian security concerns include escalating Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions marked by Pakistani airstrikes on militant camps in Afghanistan, which the Taliban condemned as sovereignty violations amid civilian casualties. Separately, attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan's Balochistan region have raised concerns over the security of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects, prompting Beijing to enhance protective measures without direct military involvement. Additionally, the International Institute for Strategic Studies highlighted the 2024 India-Pakistan Operation Sindoor as possibly the longest beyond-visual-range air battle, with disputed aircraft losses. Broader geopolitical shifts involve competition over critical minerals essential for technology and defense, influencing global power dynamics.