ISLAMABAD, Jan 1: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will travel to China on January 4 to co-chair the seventh round of the Pakistan–China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, as the two close partners prepare to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations amid evolving regional and global dynamics.
The visit is being undertaken at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs.
The high-level talks will be held in Beijing and are regarded as the highest institutionalised consultative mechanism between Pakistan and China.
According to a curtain-raiser issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan on Wednesday, the strategic dialogue provides a comprehensive platform to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations. This includes political engagement, economic cooperation, security collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges, as well as regional and international developments of mutual concern.
During the dialogue, the two foreign ministers are also expected to announce a range of initiatives and commemorative activities to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China in 2026. Officials from both sides view the milestone as a powerful symbol of a partnership that has steadily expanded and matured over the decades.
“The visit forms an important part of the regular high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China and reflects their shared resolve to further broaden and deepen the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” the Foreign Office said. It added that both countries remain committed to promoting regional peace, stability, and sustainable development.
Pakistan and China established diplomatic relations in May 1951, with Pakistan among the first countries to recognise the People’s Republic of China. Since then, bilateral ties have evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership anchored in strong political trust, close defence cooperation, and expanding economic engagement.
The relationship has demonstrated resilience across changing governments, regional turbulence, and shifting global power equations, with leaders in both capitals often referring to each other as “iron brothers.”
China has consistently supported Pakistan on its core concerns, including the Kashmir issue, while Pakistan has stood by China on matters related to its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Economic cooperation—particularly under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor—has emerged as a central pillar of bilateral ties over the past decade. Despite recent challenges, both governments have reaffirmed their commitment to the high-quality development of CPEC, with renewed emphasis on industrial cooperation, agriculture, information technology, and green development.
Officials say the upcoming strategic dialogue is expected to further align priorities, inject momentum into ongoing projects, and chart a forward-looking roadmap for Pakistan–China relations as the two countries enter a landmark anniversary year.