China and Pakistan strengthen strategic partnership

China-Pakistan Relations: Deepening Ties and Shared Future

The relationship between China and Pakistan continues to strengthen, marked by high-level visits and a commitment to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan HE Jiang Zaidong recently emphasized the “ironclad friendship” between the two nations, highlighting the enduring nature of their “All-weather Strategic Cooperation.”

Recent Diplomatic Engagements Underscore Growing Ties

In recent months, multiple high-level visits have underscored the deepening ties between China and Pakistan. President Asif Ali Zardari’s state visit to China earlier this month followed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China in June 2023 and Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Pakistan in October 2023. These exchanges, including talks between President Xi Jinping and President Zardari and also PM Shehbaz, have been instrumental in establishing a roadmap for bilateral cooperation amid evolving global dynamics.

CPEC: A Cornerstone of Bilateral Engagement

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) remains a cornerstone of bilateral relations, having brought about transformative changes in Pakistan’s infrastructure and growth over the past decade. With President Xi’s strategic guidance, the CPEC is poised for further enhancement in the coming years, promising greater economic growth for both nations.

Ambitious Projects Drive Infrastructure Development

Ambassador Jiang outlined several key projects that will take center stage in the coming year. These include the Karakoram Highway Phase II,the Main Line-1 railway,and the development of Gwadar port. These projects are expected to substantially boost connectivity and facilitate trade and economic cooperation.

Agriculture: A New Frontier for Cooperation

Agriculture is emerging as a new frontier for cooperation between China and Pakistan.Agricultural trade between the two countries exceeded $1 billion in 2024, with Pakistan enjoying a notable surplus. The introduction of high-value buffalo dairy products from Pakistan to China exemplifies the growing agricultural ties.Looking ahead, China plans to support Pakistan in modernising it’s agricultural sector through joint projects, contract farming, and innovations in Xinjiang.

Security Cooperation Ensures Peace and Stability

Ambassador Jiang reiterated President Xi’s belief that security is integral to development. Both nations continue to enhance their security cooperation to safeguard the successful implementation of CPEC projects and ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and assets in Pakistan. Pakistan’s continued efforts in counter-terrorism, along with China’s unwavering support, will be crucial in ensuring the peaceful advancement of bilateral projects.

People-to-People Exchanges Strengthen friendship

Ambassador Jiang underscored the importance of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening the friendship between China and Pakistan. Key initiatives, such as the opening of the Gwadar New International Airport, the success of the China-pakistan Friendship Hospital, and ongoing programs to distribute health kits and train Pakistani personnel in modern agricultural practices, aim to enhance the lives of ordinary citizens and ensure that the benefits of development are shared broadly.

“This kind of pragmatic, high-level cooperation will bolster China’s and pakistan’s modernisation,” highlighted Ambassador Jiang.

Multilateral Cooperation Promotes Global Peace and Prosperity

Ambassador Jiang praised pakistan’s active support for multilateralism, especially through the United Nations. Both China and Pakistan are committed to promoting the interests of the Global South, resisting unilateralism, and working toward a more inclusive global governance system. As Pakistan holds a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, Ambassador Jiang sees increased opportunities for cooperation on global security and economic matters.

Shared future: A Vision for the Future

Ambassador Jiang expressed confidence that the two nations, through mutual cooperation, would help shape a better future for their people and the world at large. The continued strengthening of the China-Pakistan relationship is essential in building a shared future of peace, prosperity, and mutual respect.

What is the role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in deepening relations between China and Pakistan?

Archyde Interview: HE Jiang Zaidong on China-Pakistan Relations

Enhancing Strategic Cooperation: A Conversation with HE jiang Zaidong, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan

Welcome to Archyde News, Ambassador Zaidong. We appreciate your time today to discuss the robust relationship between China and Pakistan.

Archyde: Your Excellency, please share your thoughts on the recent high-level visits between China and Pakistan. How have these exchanges strengthened bilateral ties?

Recent Diplomatic Engagements: Charting a Course Together

President Zardari’s state visit this month,following Prime minister Sharif’s visit in June and Premier Li’s visit in October,have opened avenues for enhanced cooperation in various sectors. The discussions between President Xi and our leaders have established a clear roadmap for our partnership.

CPEC: The Backbone of China-Pakistan Relations

Archyde: How is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project progressing,and what role does it play in deepening our ties?

CPEC,with President Xi’s strategic guidance,continues to be a cornerstone of our relationship," Ambassador Zaidong highlighted. "It has transformed pakistan’s infrastructure and growth trajectory, promising greater prosperity for both nations in the coming years.

Key Projects Driving Connectivity and Growth

Archyde: Which projects are you most excited about in the coming year,and how do they contribute to our shared future?

The Karakoram Highway Phase II,the Main line-1 railway,and the development of Gwadar Port are set to substantially boost connectivity and facilitate trade," Ambassador Zaidong revealed. "These projects will not only drive economic growth but also enhance people-to-people ties.

Agriculture: A New Frontier for cooperation

Archyde: Agriculture is emerging as a new frontier. How can China and Pakistan further cooperation in this sector?

Indeed, agriculture presents a tremendous opportunity for our collaboration," Ambassador Zaidong agreed. "China plans to support Pakistan in modernizing its agricultural sector through joint projects, contract farming, and innovations in Xinjiang. This will not only boost trade but also ensure food security for both nations.

Security Cooperation: A Pillar of Success

Archyde: With the success of CPEC projects relying on a peaceful habitat, how are China and Pakistan strengthening security cooperation?

President Xi stressed that security is integral to development. We continue to enhance our security cooperation to safeguard CPEC projects and ensure the safety of our personnel and assets in Pakistan," Ambassador Zaidong reiterated."Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts, with China’s unwavering support, are crucial in this regard.

Multilateral Cooperation: Advancing Global Agendas Together

Archyde: Given Pakistan’s role in multilateral forums like the UN, how can China and Pakistan advance global peace and prosperity together?

Pakistan’s active support for multilateralism is commendable, and we look forward to further cooperating in global security and economic matters," Ambassador Zaidong responded. "As Pakistan sits on the UN Security Council, opportunities for joint initiatives abound.

Shared Future: Eyes on the horizon

Archyde: Last question, Your Excellency. What vision do you have for the future of China-Pakistan relations?

Our shared future is bright," ambassador Zaidong concluded with optimism. "Through mutual cooperation, we will help shape a better future for our people and the world at large. The continued strengthening of our relationship is essential in building a shared future of peace, prosperity, and mutual respect.

Thank you, Ambassador Zaidong, for your time and insights.

— End of Interview —