Pakistan, China Reaffirm “Ironclad” Partnership, Eye Deeper Cooperation Under CPEC-II
Islamabad: Pakistan and China have once again reaffirmed their “all-weather strategic partnership” as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Islamabad for high-level meetings with the country’s leadership. The visit comes after the fifth round of the Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue held in Beijing earlier this year.
During his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the PM House, Wang Yi emphasized that China views Pakistan as an “ironclad friend” and a vital partner in regional peace and development. He reiterated Beijing’s commitment to strengthen cooperation in trade, defence, infrastructure, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, and senior cabinet members.
PM Shehbaz expressed deep gratitude for China’s consistent support in protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty and advancing its national development. He also praised Chinese President Xi Jinping’s “visionary leadership” in bolstering bilateral relations. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of CPEC-II, noting its key role in industrialisation, digital transformation, and regional connectivity.
The premier is scheduled to visit Tianjin and Beijing later this month to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where he is expected to hold talks with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and other senior leaders. His trip will also mark the formal launch of CPEC Phase-II, with a focus on industrial cooperation and new investment opportunities.
President Zardari Calls China “Iron Brother”
Chinese FM Wang Yi also met President Asif Ali Zardari at the Presidency, where top PPP leaders, including Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, were present. President Zardari described China as Pakistan’s “iron brother and time-tested ally,” underlining that friendship with Beijing remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
He thanked China for its unwavering support on the Kashmir issue and conveyed condolences over the recent floods in Beijing and Gansu. The President further noted that 2026 will mark 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations, which will be celebrated in a “historic and meaningful way.”
Strengthening CPEC-II and Regional Cooperation
In earlier talks with FM Ishaq Dar, Wang Yi stressed the need to accelerate work on CPEC projects, describing the corridor as the “cornerstone” of bilateral relations. Both sides agreed to upgrade it into a “growth corridor, green corridor, livelihood corridor, and open corridor.”
China also reaffirmed its support for key infrastructure projects, including Gwadar Port operations, the Karakoram Highway realignment, and the ML-1 railway modernization.
Dar, speaking at a joint press conference, called the discussions “fruitful,” covering areas such as trade, investment, technology, and people-to-people ties. He also highlighted trilateral cooperation with Afghanistan on security, counter-terrorism, and regional trade.
Wang Yi, while commending Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts, assured continued Chinese humanitarian and security assistance. He made it clear that China’s partnership with Pakistan “does not target any third country,” in reference to regional dynamics with India.
Looking Ahead
PM Shehbaz’s upcoming visit to China is expected to solidify new economic and strategic agreements, including a Pak-China Business-to-Business (B2B) Investment Conference. Both sides have also launched joint training programs in artificial intelligence, agriculture, engineering, and hospitality under CPEC Phase-II.
With the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations approaching in 2026, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to pass on the legacy of Pak-China friendship to future generations.
Pakistan-China relations
CPEC Phase-II
Wang Yi visit
Shehbaz Sharif China visit
Pakistan China ironclad friendship
SCO summit Pakistan
Gwadar Port
ML-1 railway project.
