ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its strategic partnership with China, adding that the friendship with China remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad on Thursday to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China, President Zardari described the bilateral relationship as a time-tested friendship rooted in mutual trust, shared aspirations, and steadfast support through every challenge.
President Zardari said Pakistan and China would continue to work together in promoting peace, stability, development, and multilateral cooperation at both regional and global levels.
He noted that the two countries had consistently protected each other’s core interests while maintaining close collaboration in areas such as education, agriculture, science and technology, defence, and cultural exchanges.
President Zardari attended the joint ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between 🇵🇰 & 🇨🇳, alongside PM @CMShehbaz & Vice Chairman of 14th NPC Standing Committee, Mr. Cai Dafeng. The event featured photo exhibition & commemorative stamp & coin unveiling. pic.twitter.com/4KpTJ744PZ
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) May 21, 2026
The president also expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its continued support for Pakistan’s development initiatives, particularly the development of Gwadar Port, and described the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a landmark project of historic significance.
During the ceremony, President Zardari unveiled a commemorative postage stamp to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
Addressing the event, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the two countries had built an unparalleled and unique partnership through mutual trust, sincerity, and shared commitment.
He remarked that China had always stood by Pakistan “like a solid rock” during times of crisis, including natural disasters and economic hardships, adding that Beijing’s support for Islamabad remained unmatched in history.
The Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the One-China Policy, saying Pakistan has supported the principle “without any second thought” and would continue to do so “without fear or favour”.
Over the decades, relations between Islamabad and Beijing have expanded across trade, infrastructure, defence, energy, technology, education and people-to-people exchanges.
China remains Pakistan’s largest foreign investor, largely through the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, the multibillion-dollar flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Officials in both countries increasingly describe the next phase of cooperation as “CPEC 2.0,” with greater emphasis on industrial modernisation, digital connectivity, technology, green development and economic integration.
