23/08/2025
*China Reaffirms Support for Pakistan, Commits to Deeper Economic & Security Ties*
ISLAMABAD – China has reiterated its commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s economic resilience and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, underscoring the importance of their “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” for regional peace and prosperity.
*Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes, based on available reports. Image is AI-generated and used for creative purposes only.*
This assurance came during the Sixth Round of the Pakistan–China Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The discussions touched on a wide range of issues, including trade, investment, regional stability, security, and counterterrorism, while also setting the stage for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to China later this month.
🚩 CPEC Enters a New Phase
At a joint press briefing, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that both sides had agreed to advance an “upgraded version” of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The next phase, he explained, will prioritize:
Industrial development
Innovation and green growth
Job creation and livelihood projects
Enhanced regional connectivity
“We will transform CPEC into corridors of growth, livelihood, innovation, green development, and openness,” Wang noted, adding that the plan aims to align China’s five development corridors with Pakistan’s economic priorities.
China also pledged to expand cooperation in industry, agriculture, mining, Gwadar Port operations, and the realignment of the Karakoram Highway (KKH). Importantly, Beijing also welcomed third-party participation in the upcoming Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project, which will modernize Pakistan’s Karachi–Peshawar rail link.
🚩 Security and Counterterrorism
Wang Yi stressed that security remains a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation. He praised Pakistan’s sacrifices in combating terrorism and expressed confidence that Islamabad would ensure the protection of Chinese citizens and projects.
“China firmly supports Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and believes they will be successful,” he said. Both sides agreed to strengthen intelligence-sharing, expand joint security mechanisms, and enhance coordination on regional security challenges.
🚩 Pakistan’s Commitment to “CPEC 2.0”
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed what he called “CPEC 2.0,” noting that this phase will emphasize special economic zones, agricultural modernization, renewable energy, and stronger trade linkages.
He also announced that a Pakistan–China business and investment conference will be held during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Beijing, aimed at boosting private sector engagement and attracting new investment opportunities.
Sharif is scheduled to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Heads of State Summit from August 31 to September 1, where he will also meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
🚩 Leadership-Level Engagements
Later in the day, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his delegation called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, and senior cabinet members.
Sharif reaffirmed that CPEC is vital for Pakistan’s socio-economic development and expressed satisfaction with the progress made under Phase-II of the initiative. He thanked the Chinese leadership and people for their unwavering support in safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and national development.
🚩 A Tested Partnership
Both sides emphasized that the Pakistan–China partnership is indispensable for regional stability and vowed to maintain close coordination at bilateral and multilateral forums.
“The friendship between Pakistan and China has stood the test of time,” Ishaq Dar said. “Together, we will continue to advance this partnership as a foundation for peace, progress, and prosperity.”
