BEIJING, China: Pakistan and China’s decades-old cultural and historical ties came into focus in Beijing as a landmark multilingual book tracing the shared heritage of the Indus and Yangtze river civilisations was launched to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing and Tsinghua University Host Launch of “Indus and Yangtze: A Journey of Two Rivers from One Origin”
The Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing, the Pakistan Center for Culture and Communication, and the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua… pic.twitter.com/wHn6tBmcFQ
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) September 13, 2026
The event brought together Ambassador of Pakistan to China Khalil Hashmi, leading scholars, researchers, diplomats, academics and students, while also showcasing doctoral research on Pakistan, oral histories of the builders of the Karakoram Highway, studies of ancient routes in the Yarkand River Valley and related documentary productions.
The book, Indus and Yangtze: A Journey of Two Rivers from One Origin, edited by Professor Li Xiguang, former Executive Vice Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University, and Professor Zahid Anwer, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Peshawar, was presented in its English, Urdu, and Chinese editions.
The editors highlighted the shared historical and cultural connections between the civilizations of the Indus and Yangtze river basins and underscored the importance of scholarship in strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples of Pakistan and China.
The event also featured presentations by Dr. Wen Sanmei and Dr. Liu Bei. Their work demonstrated the growing depth and diversity of academic research on Pakistan within Chinese universities and research institutions.
Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing, Pakistan Center for Culture and Communication & Tsinghua University hosted launch of book “Indus and Yangtze: A Journey of Two Rivers from One Origin”, edited by Prof. Li Xiguang and Prof. Zahid Anwer, marking 75 years of Pak-China relations. pic.twitter.com/Bjqv3LGbWW
— Pakistan Embassy China (@PakinChina_) September 13, 2026
Another highlight was the presentation of “An Oral History of the Builders of the Karakoram Highway”. Lecturer Zhang Jing presented research and interviews documenting the experiences of those who contributed to the construction of the landmark highway. Excerpts from the accompanying documentary further brought these personal histories to life.
Research on the historical links between Pakistan and China was also showcased through the project Yarkand River Valley—Exploring the Ancient Route to Pakistan, presented by Professor Guo Xiaoke and Li Zhenyuan. The project combines field research, historical inquiry, and documentary filmmaking to explore ancient routes and exchanges connecting the two regions.
Professor Li Xiguang further presented research on historical Pakistan-China exchanges, including “The Westward Route in Search of the Dharma to the Kingdom of Uddiyana”, highlighting the long history of cultural interaction and movement across Central and South Asia.
The dialogue also featured contributions from senior academics and experts, including Shi Anbin, Party Secretary of the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University; Yao Yuanjun, Senior Advisor and Deputy Secretary-General of the Yangtze River Culture Promotion Association; Zhang Heqing; Professor Xiang Debao of Beijing Foreign Studies University; Professor Guo Xiaoke of Communication University of China; Chen Ruihua, Director of the Pakistan Study Center at Nankai University; Zhang Chaowen, Director of the Pakistan Study Center at Sichuan University; and Guo Yaling, Director of the Pakistan Study Center at Hebei Normal University.
Representatives of the CITIC Foundation for Reform and Development Studies, the Yangtze River Culture Promotion Association, Tsinghua University, and other academic and cultural institutions also participated in the exchange.
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Khalil Hashmi welcomed the launch of the multilingual monograph Indus and Yangtze: A Journey of Two Rivers from One Origin in English, Chinese, and Urdu. He commended Professor Li Xiguang, Professor Zahid Anwer, their teams, and the contributing scholars for undertaking extensive research into the geographical, historical, economic, and cultural linkages associated with the two river systems.
Referring to the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi reaffirmed the enduring friendship between the two countries and stressed the importance of government-to-government, business-to-business and people-to-people cooperation. He called for stronger university partnerships, student and faculty exchanges, STEM collaboration, language learning and cultural engagement.
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The gathering underscored that Pakistan-China ties extend beyond diplomatic and economic cooperation to deep historical, educational and cultural links. The programme concluded with a dinner featuring Pakistani cuisine, providing participants an opportunity for further cultural and informal exchanges.
