China lauds Pakistan’s ‘responsible conduct’ during standoff with India

ISLAMABAD: China — Pakistan’s all-weather strategic partner — on Thursday lauded Islamabad’s responsible conduct during the recent standoff with India.

Speaking at a luncheon hosted by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong appreciated the recent return of peace and stability in the region and hoped that peace will bring dividends for Pakistan.

During the meeting at the luncheon, the planning minister extended gratitude to the Chinese ambassador and Beijing for extending unwavering support during times of crisis. “At every critical juncture in our history, China has stood by Pakistan as a rock-solid partner. Our friendship is not seasonal—it is a bond forged in trust, mutual respect and shared dreams for the future,” the minister added.

The meeting underscored the shared resolve to fast-track ongoing and future initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The planning minister briefed the Chinese ambassador that Gwadar Port has now been fully connected to the national power grid, with tangible progress toward full operationalisation. “Connecting Gwadar to the national grid marks a turning point for making it a true gateway to prosperity, not just for Pakistan but for the entire region. CPEC is the engine that will power Pakistan’s economic transformation and regional integration,” said Iqbal.

Chinese Ambassador Jiang echoed the sentiment, stating that Gwadar’s strategic relevance is gaining global recognition, and reaffirmed China’s steadfast commitment to supporting its development. He also commended Minister Iqbal’s long-standing leadership and dedication to making CPEC a flagship of regional cooperation.

Discussions also focused on preparations for the 14th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting, scheduled for July 2025. Ambassador Jiang reiterated China’s full support for Pakistan’s development under the “Uraan Pakistan” vision.

Ahsan highlighted the potential of linking Gwadar with Central Asia and Afghanistan, enabling regional access to global markets through Pakistan.

On agricultural cooperation, Iqbal shared that the first batch of Chinese-sponsored agriculture graduates is currently undergoing specialised training in Pakistan. “These young minds, selected through a competitive process, will become catalysts in modernising Pakistan’s agri-economy. With Chinese support, we are sowing the seeds of a food-secure and prosperous Pakistan,” he stated.

He emphasized the urgency of launching the Karakoram Highway (KKH) Phase-II upgrade and the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project, calling them strategic arteries of Pakistan’s economic future.

He also proposed academic linkages, suggesting partnerships between top Chinese universities and Pakistan’s Danish University, as well as between Chinese medical institutions and Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Centre.