- Pakistan, China hold seventh strategic dialogue in Beijing.
- Two sides coordinate the mechanisms in Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
- Countries promote CPEC 2.0, trade and regional peace cooperation.
Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their zero-tolerance stance against terrorism, and pledged to deepen cooperation on counter-terrorism and security, and to work together to ensure the safe and smooth progress of the China-Pakistan Belt and Road Cooperation.
The commitment was reiterated after the Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on January 4 in Beijing, according to a joint communiqué issued on Monday.
According to the joint statement, during the dialogue, the two sides held a comprehensive exchange of views on bilateral relations and cooperation in a wide range of fields, including strategic and political coordination, defense and security, economy, trade, investment, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. International and regional issues of common interest were also discussed.
‘Verifiable actions against Afghanistan-based militants’
The two sides also called for more visible and verifiable actions to dismantle and eliminate all terrorist organizations based in Afghanistan, which continue to pose serious threats to regional and global security. They emphasized the need to prevent Afghan territory from being used for terrorism against any other country or to endanger the security of others.
The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan and called for continued coordination and engagement with the international community to support peace and stability.
They agreed to encourage the Afghan authorities to build an inclusive political framework, pursue moderate policies, focus on economic development and good neighborly relations, and play a constructive role in Afghanistan’s integration into the international community.
Both sides expressed readiness to continue to utilize the Pakistan-China-Afghanistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue and the Pakistan-China-Bangladesh Cooperation Mechanism to achieve tangible results.
Taiwan’s inalienable part of China: Pakistan
On matters of core interest, Pakistan reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China principle and reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. Pakistan expressed its opposition to any form of “Taiwan independence” or attempts to create “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan”, and reiterated support for China on issues related to Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea.
China, in turn, reiterated its support for Pakistan in protecting its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and supported Pakistan’s efforts to pursue development in accordance with its national conditions and play a greater role in regional and international affairs.
The two sides agreed to strengthen strategic communication, deepen mutual trust and jointly secure their common interests with a view to promoting economic and social development in both countries and promoting peace, development and prosperity in the region and beyond.
Ironclad partnership confirmed
They reiterated that Pakistan and China are all-weather strategic partners bound by ironclad friendship and noted that the steady development of bilateral ties is of strategic importance to regional stability.
Both sides announced that 2026 will see commemorative activities marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, aimed at consolidating bilateral friendship and expanding cooperation into new areas to ensure that the partnership continues across generations. They reaffirmed that high-level exchanges remain a defining feature of bilateral relations.
In terms of economic cooperation, the two sides agreed to further align development strategies and promote an upgraded version 2.0 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, focusing on industry, agriculture and mining.
They agreed to promote the development and operation of Gwadar Port, ensure smooth connectivity along the Karakoram Highway, deepen cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, information technology, cyber security, vocational training and cultural exchange, and welcomed the participation of third parties in accordance with agreed modalities.
Cooperation in the financial and banking sector, including mutual support in multilateral financial forums, was also emphasized.
Regionally, the two sides emphasized the importance of peace and stability in South Asia, adherence to the UN Charter and international law, and resolving disputes through dialogue. Pakistan briefed China on the situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, while China reiterated that the issue should be resolved peacefully in accordance with relevant UN resolutions and bilateral agreements.
The two sides also expressed support for an unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, reaffirmed support for the two-state solution and pledged to work with the international community to promote peace in the Middle East. They noted expanded cooperation in space, including the expected participation of Pakistani astronauts in the Chinese space station.
DPM Dar thanked the Chinese FM for the extended hospitality and both sides agreed to hold the next round of strategic dialogue in Islamabad next year.
