China monitoring situation after Jaffar Express attack, says consul general

Chinese Consul General in Karachi Yang Yundong has said China is closely monitoring the situation after the terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express.

He condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He reaffirmed China's opposition to all forms of terrorism and its firm support for Pakistan in its fight against terrorism. He also pledged assistance in bringing the perpetrators to justice and restoring law and order.

The Chinese consul general said this at a press briefing held at the Consulate General of China on Friday on the spirit of China's Two Sessions. He said the recently concluded China's Two Sessions 2025 in Beijing had set the course for the country's economic and social development while reaffirming its commitment to modernisation and international cooperation.

He shared key highlights of the Two Sessions at the press briefing. The Two Sessions refer to the annual National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) meetings. These gatherings, integral to China's governance, allow representatives from diverse backgrounds to deliberate on national policies and development strategies.

Since its establishment in 1959, this system has been a cornerstone of China's socialist democracy, ensuring that significant state decisions align with the needs of its people.

Major developments in 2025

According to the consul general, the Two Sessions 2025 showcased significant strides in Chinese modernisation, with the country achieving a 5 per cent GDP growth rate in 2024—one of the highest among major economies.

The nation's contribution to global economic growth stood at approximately 30 per cent, further solidifying its position as a key player in the international economic landscape. Key milestones included record-breaking grain output, a surge in the production of renewable energy vehicles, and substantial employment growth.

Scientific and technological innovation remained a focal point, with advancements in high-tech manufacturing, artificial intelligence and digital economy sectors. The integration of technology and industry was emphasised with total national research and development investment reaching 3.6 trillion yuan. Notable achievements included breakthroughs in quantum computing and the global success of Chinese digital and entertainment products.

The Two Sessions also underscored China's commitment to enhancing its citizens' quality of life. In 2024, urban employment rose by 12.56 million while social welfare programmes continued to expand.

He said Chinese President Xi Jinping's vision of "investing in people" guided vocational training, urban renewal and rural revitalisation policies.

Diplomatic Vision

A key theme of the consul general’s media address was China's dedication to peaceful development and multilateral cooperation. He said China reaffirmed its stance against hegemonism and protectionism while promoting economic globalisation through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which now includes over 100 partner countries.

China's foreign trade with BRI nations surpassed 50 per cent of its total trade volume for the first time.

The consul general emphasised that China would continue to foster high-standard international partnerships, advocate for global peace, and provide development opportunities for emerging economies. He highlighted China-Pakistan relations as a prime example of mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

China-Pakistan ties

Yundong said 2024 marked the 10th anniversary of President Jinping's historic visit to Pakistan, with 2025 bringing the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. He stressed the importance of seizing this opportunity to deepen collaboration in trade, infrastructure and socioeconomic development.

"Together, we will accelerate the construction of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future and create a more prosperous and stable future for both nations," he said. The briefing concluded with a call for enhanced media cooperation, encouraging Pakistani journalists to provide objective and insightful coverage of China’s progress. The consul general hoped that Pakistan’s media would play a pivotal role in fostering a deeper understanding of China's governance model and modernisation path.