Talks in Beijing confirm mutual support, expand cooperation in security, counter-terrorism and finance
A view of the seventh round of the Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue in Beijing. PHOTO: PID
Pakistan and China agreed to align their development strategies and build an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, known as CPEC 2.0, during wide-ranging talks in Beijing that also covered political ties, security cooperation and regional and international issues.
The seventh round of the Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue was chaired in Beijing on January 4 by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who was visiting China from January 3 to January 5 at Wang’s invitation, according to a joint press release at the end of the talks on Monday.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has left for Beijing to co-chair the Seventh Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue between Pakistan and China on January 4, 2026, along with Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
DPM/FM is the first foreign dignitary to visit China in… pic.twitter.com/kpqYha6tol
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) 3 January 2026
During the dialogue, the two sides exchanged views on strategic and political cooperation, defense and security, economy, trade, investment, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed international and regional issues of common interest and agreed to improve strategic communication, deepen strategic mutual trust, secure common interests and promote economic and social development in both countries as well as peace and prosperity in the region and beyond.
Read: Pakistan and China agree to strengthen coordination in bilateral, multilateral fora
As part of their economic engagement, Pakistan and China agreed to develop an upgraded CPEC, a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative. The two sides said the new phase will focus on the key sectors of industry, agriculture and mining, promote the construction and operation of Gwadar Port, ensure smooth passage of the Karakoram Highway and strengthen Pakistan’s capacity for sustainable development.
They also agreed to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, information technology, science and technology, cyber security, technical and vocational education and training, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges. The two sides stated that the year-round opening of the Khunjerab Pass would facilitate two-way trade and further strengthen people-to-people contacts. They also welcomed the participation of third parties in the CPEC cooperation in accordance with the conditions agreed upon by both countries.
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The dialogue took place as Pakistan and China announced plans to launch commemorative activities in 2026 marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Both sides reiterated that they are all-weather strategic partners and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen high-level exchanges and implement the action plan to promote an even closer Pakistan-China community with a shared future in the new era (2025-2029).
The two sides also reaffirmed mutual support on issues of their respective core interests and expressed willingness to further strengthen cooperation in areas including counter-terrorism, finance and banking, space cooperation and multilateral forums.
Read also: Dar heads to China for the 7th Foreign Minister’s Strategic Dialogue
The next round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue will be held in Islamabad next year on mutually convenient dates, the communiqué said.
