ISLAMABAD, JAN 21 /DNA/ – From January 3 to 5, Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited China at the invitation of the Chinese government. Ding Xuexiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, met with Dar, and Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, held talks with him and co-chaired the Seventh Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue.
Ishaq Dar is the first high-ranking foreign official received by China in 2026, which not only highlights the “ironclad friendship” between China and Pakistan, but also marks the beginning of the commemoration activities of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Enhance political mutual trust and work together to safeguard common interests
During the strategic dialogue, both sides clearly stated that they will take the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries as the fundamental guideline, fully implement the “Action Plan to Foster an Even Closer China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era (2025-2029)”, and promote the construction of the China-Pakistan community with a shared future to be at the forefront of the construction of a community with a shared future in the surrounding region.
Both sides highly affirmed each other’s development achievements and agreed that the next round of foreign ministers’ strategic dialogue would be held in Islamabad, demonstrating the continuity of communication and the stability of the strategy.
On major issues involving sovereignty, security, and development interests, both sides firmly support each other. Pakistan emphasized its adherence to the One-China Principle and its firm support for China’s position on issues concerning Taiwan, Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea. China reiterated its firm support for Pakistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, its support for Pakistan’s development path chosen according to its national conditions, and its opposition to any external interference.
It is this high degree of political mutual trust that enables China and Pakistan to always join hands in safeguarding their common interests and promoting international and regional peace, development and prosperity in a complex international environment.
Deepen economic cooperation and promote common development and prosperity.
During the dialogue, China and Pakistan agreed to further deepen the alignment of development plans and priority areas.
China and Pakistan have made it clear that they will create an “upgraded version 2.0” of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, focusing on three core areas: industry, agriculture, and mining, and strive to achieve early results as soon as possible.
As a landmark project of the Belt and Road Initiative, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has achieved fruitful results since its launch. This upgrade is mainly to adapt to the new development needs of the two countries, so as to better promote industrial complementarity and stimulate economic vitality.
Both sides agreed to continuously optimize the operation of Gwadar Port, ensure the smooth flow of the Karakoram Highway, and welcome third parties to participate in the corridor cooperation in accordance with the model agreed upon by China and Pakistan, so as to further expand the corridor’s radiating effect.
Both sides also expressed their willingness to make full use of the year-round opening of the Khunjerab Pass to deepen China-Pakistan economic and trade exchanges and cultural exchanges.
Deepen counterterrorism cooperation and build stronger security safeguards.
Both China and Pakistan reaffirmed their “zero tolerance” attitude towards combating terrorism in all its forms and agreed to further deepen counter-terrorism and security cooperation in a comprehensive manner.
Currently, the counter-terrorism situation in Pakistan remains severe, and the safety of Chinese projects and personnel in Pakistan faces potential threats. China has expressed its appreciation for Pakistan’s comprehensive measures to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan.
The two countries’ firm stance and in-depth cooperation on counter-terrorism and security issues will effectively guarantee the safe and smooth progress of China-Pakistan cooperation in jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative.
Strengthen people-to-people exchanges to solidify the foundation for mutual understanding.
The long-term development of relations between the two countries cannot be separated from the solid support of the people’s hearts and minds. Both sides announced the official launch of the commemorative activities for the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan in 2026, and will take this opportunity to consolidate the friendship between China and Pakistan, so that the friendship between China and Pakistan can be carried forward and passed down from generation to generation.
From historical mutual support to contemporary mutual assistance, the friendship between China and Pakistan is deeply rooted in the emotional resonance between the two peoples.
Before the talks, Wang Yi and Dar jointly unveiled the emblem commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, and visited a photo exhibition together, reviewing the history of friendship between the two countries.
At the grassroots level, nearly a hundred events, including political party forums, youth dialogues, cultural exchange months, and friendly sports matches, will be launched to further solidify the foundation of public opinion through diversified exchanges.
Strengthen international cooperation and jointly shape a multilateral cooperation framework.
In the current context of a turbulent international situation and escalating unilateral bullying, China and Pakistan have made it clear that they will strengthen cooperation in international affairs, adhere to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, support multilateralism and free trade, oppose hegemonism, oppose bullying acts that infringe upon the sovereignty of other countries, and oppose the formation of “small circles” and camp confrontation.
During the dialogue, Wang Yi also specifically addressed the Venezuelan issue, stating emphatically, “We have never believed that any country can act as the international police, nor do we agree that any country can claim to be an international judge.”
Pakistan highly appreciates China’s commitment to multilateralism and supports the four global initiatives proposed by China.
When discussing regional hotspots such as Afghanistan and the situation in Gaza, both sides stated that they would uphold an objective and impartial stance and called for the peaceful resolution of disputes.
Overall, the five consensuses reached in this China-Pakistan strategic dialogue are both grounded in the present and forward-looking, outlining a clear blueprint for the development of China-Pakistan relations in the new stage.
The ironclad friendship between China and Pakistan is as solid as a rock, and their strategic mutual trust is unbreakable. This is not only a precious asset for the people of both countries, but also a bright spot in a turbulent world.
