By Amjad Aziz Malik
At the beginning of the new year, two important developments highlighting Pakistan–China friendship have come to the fore. First is the visit of Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar to China, during which he held meetings with the Chinese leadership. These meetings were described as highly significant in the joint communiqué issued afterward. Second is the New Year message by His Excellency Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan, in which he eloquently highlighted the strength of Pakistan–China friendship.
As far as Mohammad Ishaq Dar’s visit to China is concerned, he was the first foreign dignitary to visit China this year. On this occasion, the seventh round of the Pakistan–China Strategic Dialogue between the foreign ministers of the two countries was held. It was co-chaired by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. Both countries reaffirmed that their long-standing friendship and strategic partnership are essential for regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity. The two leaders emphasized the importance of the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and agreed that Pakistan–China friendship plays a key role in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. Both sides also agreed to further strengthen coordination on bilateral and multilateral forums.
During the Strategic Dialogue, the overall Pakistan–China relationship was reviewed, and views were exchanged on important regional and international issues. Discussions covered progress under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and future prospects, trade and economic cooperation, multilateral engagement, and people-to-people exchanges. Both countries also agreed to jointly celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, and a commemorative logo was unveiled in this regard.
In addition to the Strategic Dialogue, Ishaq Dar—who also holds the portfolio of Deputy Prime Minister—held several high-level meetings with the Chinese leadership. He met with Chinese Executive Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, during which both sides reaffirmed their shared resolve to further deepen the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. The Chinese Vice Premier appreciated Pakistan’s consistent support for China’s core national interests. Both leaders highlighted the historical significance of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and agreed to use this milestone to shape a forward-looking vision, particularly to expand cooperation under CPEC. Vice Premier Ding also conveyed New Year greetings to the leadership and people of Pakistan.
In another meeting, Ishaq Dar met with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China. Ishaq Dar congratulated him on the successful convening of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the continued positive momentum in bilateral relations, reviewed party-to-party ties, exchanged views on the regional situation, and assessed progress on CPEC projects. It was also agreed that the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations would be celebrated in a meaningful and befitting manner.
Undoubtedly, this visit reflects the shared resolve of Islamabad and Beijing to further expand and deepen their cooperative partnership and to strengthen their mutual commitment to regional peace, stability, and sustainable development.
Turning to the New Year message issued by His Excellency Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of China to Pakistan, he stated that 2025 was an extraordinary year. China successfully completed its 14th Five-Year Plan. Despite various pressures, the Chinese economy continued on a path of growth, advanced toward innovation and high-quality development, and made steady progress in building a modern industrial system. Chinese-style modernization continued to move forward with firm steps. Gross domestic product reached a new height, estimated at around 140 trillion yuan. Rapid competition in large AI models continued, humanoid robots demonstrated their capabilities, the Tianwen-2 space mission embarked on its journey to explore asteroids and comets, and both the production and sales of new energy vehicles exceeded 10 million units.
He further said that China was also pleased to see that the Government of Pakistan demonstrated proactive and effective governance. Pakistan’s economy showed stability along with growth, reforms progressed gradually, significant achievements were made in counterterrorism efforts, and national unity was further strengthened. Particularly on the diplomatic front, Pakistan played an active role on multiple fronts, created new opportunities, expanded its circle of friends, and significantly enhanced its voice and influence globally. Under the iron-clad friendship and the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, China warmly congratulates Pakistan on these achievements.
The Chinese Ambassador added that the positive development momentum in both countries has further strengthened China–Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperation. High-level exchanges remained frequent and cordial. President Xi Jinping held meetings and talks with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which important consensus was reached, providing direction and guidance for the future of bilateral relations. Both sides issued an Action Plan to further strengthen the China–Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the new era.
Tangible results of practical cooperation have emerged: the Karakoram Highway Phase II rehabilitation project continues to make progress; the New Gwadar International Airport has become operational; a project to train 1,000 young Pakistani agricultural experts in China has been successfully completed; the Lahore Orange Line Metro has provided travel facilities to more than 270 million passengers; and Pakistani quality products such as rice, sesame seeds, and seafood have rapidly gained access to the Chinese market. Remarkable progress has also been made in the field of public welfare: 50,000 health kits were provided to the people of Balochistan; Chinese medical teams brought new hope to families of children suffering from congenital heart diseases; and flood relief supplies worth 100 million yuan were provided. People-to-people and cultural exchanges were further strengthened, including events such as the Chinese Film Festival and “Tea and the World.” Exchanges among media, think tanks, youth, and other sectors increased, and the globally popular animated film Ne Zha 2 was screened in Pakistan.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Chinese Ambassador said the prospects are extremely bright. China is entering the first year of its 15th Five-Year Plan, and China and Pakistan will celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The pursuit of modernization in both countries and the All-Weather Strategic Partnership are standing at a new milestone. “We are sailing with the wind across a vast ocean. Despite complex global and regional conditions, we will face challenges together with our Pakistani friends, build upon past achievements, and move forward with steadfast determination.”
He reaffirmed commitment to fully implementing the consensus reached by the leaders of both countries, maintaining high-level exchanges, integrating development strategies, upgrading CPEC to version 2.0, improving the China–Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, advancing road, rail, and Gwadar port projects, expanding cooperation in industry, agriculture, and minerals, promoting public welfare projects, strengthening security and counterterrorism cooperation, and organizing grand celebrations for the 75th anniversary. Cooperation in youth, education, and culture will be enhanced, and preparations will be made for the participation of the first Pakistani astronaut at the Chinese space station. Coordination on multilateral forums will also be strengthened to ensure regional peace and development.
Jiang Zaidong concluded with prayers that China and Pakistan continue to move together toward prosperity, sustained development, and shared progress, and that China–Pakistan friendship remains strong and everlasting.
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