ISLAMABAD, Jan 6 (Web Desk): Pakistan and China on Monday reaffirmed their unyielding support for each other on issues concerning their core interests and committed to deepening cooperation across multiple sectors.
The announcement came in a joint communiqué issued after the Seventh Round of China–Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.
The communiqué highlighted the ironclad friendship and all-weather strategic partnership between the two countries, emphasizing its importance for regional peace, stability, and development. Both sides reiterated their commitment to mutual support on core issues, with China backing Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and counter-terrorism efforts, and Pakistan reaffirming the One-China principle, recognizing Taiwan as an inalienable part of China, and supporting China on matters related to Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea.
A major focus of the dialogue was the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Both sides agreed to launch an upgraded Version 2.0 of CPEC, a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, and to align development plans and priorities. Cooperation will focus on industry, agriculture, and mining, while ensuring the smooth operation of Gwadar Port and the Karakoram Highway, and enhancing Pakistan’s capacity for sustainable development. The two countries also pledged to expand collaboration in trade, investment, information technology, science and technology, cybersecurity, technical and vocational education, and cultural exchanges, with third-party participation welcomed within agreed parameters.
The dialogue also emphasized counter-terrorism cooperation, with both countries reiterating zero tolerance for terrorism and agreeing to further strengthen joint measures to protect Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan. China acknowledged Pakistan’s significant contributions and sacrifices in combating terrorism over the years.
On space and technological cooperation, both nations welcomed the anticipated early entry of Pakistani astronauts into the Chinese space station and pledged to pursue peaceful and mutually beneficial space exploration for economic and social development.
The two sides launched commemorative activities to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, viewing the milestone as an opportunity to consolidate friendship and explore new avenues of cooperation.
Regional issues also featured prominently. Pakistan and China emphasized the importance of a South Asian regional order based on the UN Charter, international law, and universally recognized norms, opposing unilateral actions that threaten stability. Both countries agreed to closely coordinate on Afghanistan, urging the Afghan government to adopt inclusive political frameworks, moderate policies, and development-focused strategies, and calling for the dismantling of terrorist organizations operating from Afghan territory. China also reaffirmed that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute should be resolved peacefully in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN resolutions, and bilateral agreements.
Finally, both countries reiterated their support for multilateralism, free trade, and the principles of the UN Charter, while opposing hegemonism, coercion, bloc confrontation, and the formation of exclusive alliances.
The strategic dialogue highlighted the robust growth of China–Pakistan relations, with commitments spanning economic, industrial, security, technological, and cultural cooperation, signaling a strengthened partnership ready to address regional and global challenges.