In a significant diplomatic engagement, President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan concluded his five-day state visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. The visit, held from February 4 to 8, included high-level meetings with Chinese leadership and Zardari’s participation in the Opening Ceremony of the Ninth Asian Winter Games. The two nations reaffirmed their historic partnership, strategic cooperation, and commitment to regional peace and development.
During their discussions, President Xi and President Zardari reinforced the China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, emphasizing that the bond between the two nations transcends geopolitical shifts. Both sides acknowledged that attempts to undermine this relationship would not succeed. They vowed to deepen strategic trust and committed to enhancing economic collaboration. They also pledged to strengthen security cooperation.
China reiterated its unwavering support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Pakistan reaffirmed its firm commitment to the One-China principle, backing Beijing’s stance on Taiwan, Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea.
A key highlight of the visit was the renewed commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Both sides agreed to fast-track CPEC’s second phase, aiming to boost economic growth, innovation, sustainability, and trade.
The two countries agreed to fast-track key infrastructure projects like upgrading the ML-1 railway and realigning the Karakoram Highway. Both sides welcomed the inauguration of the new Gwadar International Airport, signaling greater connectivity and economic expansion. China also committed to supporting Pakistan’s industrialization and facilitating investment in Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
In a strong display of unity against terrorism, both nations condemned recent attacks targeting Chinese personnel in Pakistan. Islamabad reaffirmed its responsibility to ensure the security of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions, pledging rigorous measures to counter terrorist threats. China commended Pakistan’s sacrifices in fighting terrorism and expressed willingness to enhance Pakistan’s counterterrorism capacity.
The visit witnessed the signing of over a dozen agreements spanning trade, science and technology, people’s livelihood projects, and media cooperation. China lauded Pakistan’s National Economic Transformation Plan (Uraan) and pledged support for its economic reform initiatives.
Additionally, both sides agreed to enhance collaboration in agriculture, power, information technology, space, and vocational training. Pakistan appreciated China’s contributions to addressing its power shortages and fostering technology transfers in key sectors like artificial intelligence and big data.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and global stability. China supported Pakistan’s stance on Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution based on UN resolutions. Both nations underscored the importance of peace in South Asia. They urged Afghanistan’s interim government to take decisive action. The action should target terrorist groups operating from its territory.
Concluding his visit, President Zardari expressed gratitude to the Chinese leadership and people for their hospitality. He extended an invitation to President Xi to visit Pakistan at a mutually convenient time, an offer that China acknowledged with appreciation.
This visit marked another milestone in the enduring Pakistan-China friendship. It also further cemented their cooperation across multiple domains. It set the stage for an even stronger partnership. This is expected to unfold in the years ahead.
