Pakistan, China reaffirm strategic partnership, pledge upgraded CPEC 2.0

BEIJING: Pakistan and China have pledged to further strengthen their long-standing strategic partnership and launch an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0), following the Seventh Round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue held in Beijing.

Co-chaired by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi from January 3 to 5, the dialogue reviewed bilateral cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including economy, trade, investment, defense and security, technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. The two sides also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest.

In a joint statement, the ministers described Pakistan and China as “all-weather strategic partners” with “ironclad friendship and deep mutual trust,” accentuating the importance of their relations for regional peace, stability, and development. They announced commemorative activities marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2026, aimed at consolidating bilateral ties and exploring new areas of cooperation.

CPEC 2.0 AND ECONOMIC COOPERATION

The upgraded CPEC will focus on three key sectors: industry, agriculture, and mining, while advancing the development and operation of the Gwadar Port and ensuring smooth transit along the Karakoram Highway. Both countries also agreed to enhance Pakistan’s capacity for sustainable development and to promote trade, investment, information technology, science and technology, cybersecurity, vocational training, education, and cultural exchanges. The year-round opening of the Khunjerab Pass is expected to facilitate two-way trade and strengthen people-to-people ties.

Both sides welcomed third-party participation in CPEC projects under agreed modalities and pledged closer cooperation in financial and banking sectors, including support at regional and international forums. Pakistan expressed gratitude for China’s support for its fiscal and financial systems.

DEFENSE, SECURITY, AND COUNTERTERRORISM COOPERATION

The ministers reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all forms, with zero tolerance. China recognised Pakistan’s sacrifices and efforts to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan. The two countries agreed to deepen all-round security cooperation and jointly safeguard the smooth progress of CPEC initiatives.

STRATEGIC AND GLOBAL COOPERATION

Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle and supported China on issues concerning Taiwan, Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea. China expressed full support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, development path, and counterterrorism efforts. Both sides committed to strategic communication, safeguarding mutual interests, and promoting regional and global stability.

The dialogue also reiterated cooperation under the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative, aiming to strengthen multilateralism, equitable development, and peace. Both countries expressed readiness to coordinate on Afghanistan, trans-boundary water resources, and Middle East peace efforts, including support for a two-state solution in Palestine.

SPACE AND TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION

The two sides expressed satisfaction over expanding space cooperation, including the expected participation of Pakistani astronauts in the China Space Station, highlighting the potential for joint scientific and economic development.

The dialogue concluded with an agreement to continue the strategic dialogue annually, with the next round scheduled to be held in Islamabad.

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