KEY POINTS
- Visit reaffirms all-weather strategic partnership amid volatile global landscape.
- Pakistan’s support for China’s core interests consolidates political trust.
- 75th anniversary logo unveiled symbolising enduring bilateral friendship.
- Cooperation in agriculture and digital technology to elevate economic ties.
- Security collaboration strengthened, Chinese personnel protection reinforced in Pakistan.
- Visit lays foundation for closer China-Pakistan partnership and future.
ISLAMABAD: Prof Cheng Xizhong, Senior Research Fellow at Beijing’s Charhar Institute, said Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s official visit to China marks a pivotal moment in the two nations’ diplomatic relations as they approach the 75th anniversary of ties.
Strategic partnership reaffirmed
“This high-level interaction transcends routine exchanges and serves as a robust reaffirmation of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership,” Prof Cheng said, noting that the visit injects fresh vitality into bilateral relations amid a volatile international landscape.
He said the visit has consolidated the political foundation of China-Pakistan relations.
“Pakistan’s reaffirmation of the one-China principle and unwavering support for China’s core interests, coupled with China’s commitment to synergising development strategies, underscore the profound mutual trust that has long characterised their bonds,” he added.
75th anniversary logo
A symbolic highlight, Prof Cheng noted, was the joint unveiling of the logo for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, which “represents the shared aspiration of the two peoples to pass on this iron-clad friendship to future generations.”
CPEC and security cooperation advanced
On the economic front, he highlighted the significance of agreements reached to advance the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“Expanding cooperation in industry, agriculture, and digital technology will not only build on CPEC’s achievements — alleviating Pakistan’s power shortage and creating massive employment opportunities — but also elevate bilateral trade and economic relations to new heights, delivering tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries,” Prof Cheng said.
He also pointed to strengthened security cooperation, adding, “The joint commitment to safeguarding Chinese personnel in Pakistan addresses a critical concern, further reinforcing the security dimension of the bilateral partnership.”
On the global stage, Prof Cheng emphasised that Pakistan and China’s alignment in upholding the United Nations Charter and opposing unilateral coercion reflects “shared values and strategic coordination.”
He noted that Ishaq Dar’s visit, as China’s first reception of a foreign minister in 2026, underscores the unique priority accorded to Pakistan-China relations.
Foundation for future
“In an era of mounting global challenges, this partnership serves as a stabilising force for regional peace and a model for South-South cooperation,” Prof Cheng said.
He concluded that Ishaq Dar’s visit has laid a solid foundation for an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future.
