BEIJING/ISLAMABAD: China is willing to cooperate with Pakistan in industry, agriculture and mining, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday, according to a readout released by Wang’s ministry.
Wang affirmed that Beijing would continue to support Pakistan in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as in combating terrorism. He added that China would continue to prioritise Pakistan in its regional diplomacy, a British wire service reported. Both countries should act together to uphold the multilateral trading system and oppose unilateral coercion, as well as upgrade the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Wang is on a five-day tour of South Asia, just days before a leaders’ summit in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation — a 10 nation Eurasian security and political grouping that includes China, Russia, India, Pakistan and Iran. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the summit — his first visit to China in seven years. At a press briefing, Wang also welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to attend both the summit and events marking Japan’s formal surrender at the end of World War II. These events will include a major military parade in Beijing, which Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to attend on September 3.
During the meeting with Dar, Wang reiterated the need for Pakistan to “effectively safeguard the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and organisations” present in Pakistan. Over the years, China has invested billions of dollars into infrastructure projects in Pakistan under its Belt and Road Initiative. “China appreciates Pakistan’s unremitting efforts and great sacrifices made in combating terrorism,” Wang said, according to the ministry’s statement.
According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, the two sides used their sixth Strategic Dialogue in Kabul—preceded by a trilateral meeting among Pakistani, Chinese and Afghan foreign ministers—to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations. They discussed regional and global issues, CPEC 2.0, trade and economic ties, multilateral cooperation, and people to people connections.
At the joint press conference, Senator Ishaq Dar emphasized that Pakistan and China shared complete alignment on all key bilateral, regional, and global issues. He expressed gratitude for Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s strategic vision to further strengthen bilateral cooperation—particularly in advancing the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to its next phase.
Foreign Minister Wang described CPEC as the cornerstone of the Pakistan China strategic partnership, reaffirming that the current focus is on promoting its high quality development. “We are committed to deepening cooperation in industry, agriculture, and mining to enhance the welfare of the Pakistani people,” Wang stated. “Our aim is to support Pakistan’s journey toward self-sustained development and strengthen its economic resilience.”
He reiterated China’s firm support for the continued development and operationalisation of Gwadar Port, as well as the realignment of the Karakoram Highway (KKH). He also welcomed third party participation in the Main Line 1 (ML 1) railway project as part of efforts to expand and modernise critical infrastructure under CPEC.
The two sides agreed to continue close coordination at multilateral fora, particularly at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), where Pakistan is serving a two year term as a non permanent member. Dar noted that Pakistan and China will hold a series of events next year to celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Wang Yi offered China’s immediate emergency humanitarian support in the wake of recent heavy rains in Pakistan.
On terrorism, Wang commended Pakistan’s tireless efforts and reaffirmed its belief in Pakistan’s success in combating terrorism. When asked about foreign policy, Dar said that Pakistan will continue pursuing friendly relations based on shared values, mutual respect and equality, for global peace and stability. He described China as the mainstay of Pakistan’s foreign policy and reiterated commitment to enhancing bilateral ties. Wang clarified that China’s partnership with India does not target any third party and will not affect other countries.
As a symbolic gesture, Wang Yi presented DPM/FM Ishaq Dar with a framed picture commemorating the solarisation project of the Pakistan Foreign Office, funded by a gift of 2 million RMB from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Meanwhile, at the Aiwan e Sadr, President Asif Ali Zardari welcomed Wang Yi and reaffirmed that Pakistan and China are “iron brothers, time tested friends and all weather strategic partners”.
Wang Yi echoed this sentiment, saying that the friendship between China and Pakistan spans generations and is grounded in trust, credibility and a strong, all weather strategic partnership.
Senator Dar, Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, MNA Hina Rabbani Khar, foreign secretary, president’s spokesperson, and Pakistan’s ambassador to China were also present.
Later, at the PM House, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his deep appreciation for China’s unfailing support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national development. Accompanied by DPM Dar, Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and cabinet members, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with China, as envisioned by both leaderships. Wang Yi thanked the prime minister, describing China’s regard for Pakistan as an “ironclad friend and all weather strategic partner”. He expressed China’s intent to elevate bilateral relations to new levels of cooperation and collaboration, and reaffirmed China’s commitment to working with Pakistan for regional peace, development and stability.