Pak-China ties remained resilient, ‘iron-clad’ for 75 years: diplomat

ISLAMABAD: Shi Yuanqiang, Deputy Head of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, said that China–Pakistan relations have remained resilient and “iron-clad” for 75 years despite global and regional changes.

He emphasized sustained high-level exchanges and deepening strategic trust, reinforced by recent leadership interactions and a shared consensus on building an even closer community with a shared future.

The Chinese diplomat said this while addressing a commemorative International Seminar titled “75 Years of Iron-Clad Friendship: Pakistan–China Cooperation in Diplomacy, Security, and Development hosted by the China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI).

He underscored CPEC as the central pillar of Belt and Road cooperation, highlighting achievements in energy, infrastructure, investment, and employment, and its evolution toward “CPEC 2.0” focused on industry, agriculture, mining, innovation, and green development. He also emphasized close coordination on regional and global issues, including peace, multilateralism, and cooperation within the Global South.

Murtaza Solangi, Spokesperson to the President Asif Ali Zardari, highlighted the civilizational depth of Pakistan–China relations rooted in the Silk Road. He emphasized China’s consistent policy of non-interference and respect for sovereignty as a cornerstone of the “all-weather” friendship. He paid tribute to leadership on both sides and Pakistan’s support for China in international forums. He underscored expanding cooperation across defence, infrastructure, energy, aviation, and emerging technologies, and highlighted CPEC’s transformative impact from Gilgit to Gwadar, including its expansion into AI, digital technologies, space cooperation, climate resilience, and green development. He expressed confidence that Phase II of CPEC would further deepen connectivity and shared prosperity.

Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BoG ISSI, described Pakistan–China relations as an “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” grounded in mutual trust, sovereign equality, and unwavering support for core interests. He highlighted the expansion of cooperation across diplomacy, defence, trade, connectivity, energy, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

Prof Dr Yunsong Huang described the relationship as an “ironclad brotherhood” and a stabilizing force in a changing global order. He highlighted CPEC as the geo-economic backbone of ties, with Phase II focusing on industrial upgrading, SEZ expansion, railway modernization, Gwadar development, and cooperation in green development, space technology, and human capital.

Dr Ma Zheng emphasized the importance of cooperation amid global uncertainty, particularly in defence, security, and counterterrorism. He highlighted coordination on regional stability, including Afghanistan, and called for stronger strategic communication, CPEC development, and people-to-people exchanges.

Earlier, in his introductory remarks, Director CPSC Dr Talat Shabbir highlighted the enduring and trusted nature of Pakistan–China relations, rooted in mutual respect, trust, and consistent support for core interests. He noted expanded cooperation since 1951 across multiple sectors and underscored CPEC as a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project promoting regional connectivity, stability, and shared development.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026