Pakistan, China Reaffirm All-Weather Strategic Partnership, Sign New Cooperation Agreements
CT Report
BEIJING: Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their enduring "iron-clad" partnership and agreed to expand cooperation across multiple sectors during a state visit by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari. The visit, made at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, took place from Feb. 4 to 8, 2025.
During talks in Beijing, both leaders pledged to strengthen bilateral ties and deepen high-level cooperation in politics, security, economy, and regional development. President Zardari also attended the opening ceremony of the Ninth Asian Winter Games.
"The China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership has stood the test of time and remains a key factor for regional peace and stability," said a joint statement released at the conclusion of the visit. The two sides agreed to further accelerate efforts to build a "China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era."
China reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s national sovereignty, security, and development. Pakistan, in turn, reiterated its firm commitment to the one-China principle and expressed full support for China on Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet.
CPEC Upgrade and Economic Cooperation
The two countries agreed to promote the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), including new "growth, green, innovation, and livelihood-enhancing corridors." They also committed to accelerating key infrastructure projects, including the upgradation of Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway and the Karakoram Highway realignment.
The inauguration of the new Gwadar International Airport was recognized as a major milestone, with both sides pledging to optimize Gwadar Port’s potential as a key trade and connectivity hub.
China encouraged its companies to invest in Pakistan’s special economic zones and expand cooperation in mining, energy, and information technology. Pakistan vowed to improve its business environment and attract more Chinese investment, particularly in export-oriented industries.
Security and Counterterrorism
In light of recent security incidents, President Zardari assured China of Pakistan’s continued efforts to safeguard Chinese personnel and projects in the country. The two sides agreed to enhance counterterrorism cooperation and maintain a "zero-tolerance" approach toward terrorism in all its forms.
Focus on Science, Technology, and Education
The two countries emphasized cooperation in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, and communication technology, with China pledging support for Pakistan’s IT and science sectors under CPEC’s second phase.
They also agreed to enhance educational exchanges and vocational training programs, including Chinese language learning for Pakistani students and joint media collaborations to foster cultural ties.
Regional and International Cooperation
The leaders highlighted the importance of peace and stability in South Asia and reaffirmed their support for resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the United Nations Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions. They also called for stronger international efforts to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza and reiterated their commitment to Afghan peace and stability.
New Agreements Signed
More than a dozen agreements were signed during the visit, covering areas such as trade, technology, CPEC development, media cooperation, and public welfare projects, including healthcare and agricultural initiatives.
President Zardari thanked President Xi for the warm hospitality and invited him to visit Pakistan at a mutually convenient time.
