In a world of changing geopolitical situations and economic interdependence, PM Sharif’s recent visit to China marks a landmark moment in the long-standing relationship between Pakistan and China. PM Sharif paid his first official visit to China after assuming his second term from June 4-8, 2024. PM Sharif delivered high-level addresses reflecting the healthy and expanding partnership between China and Pakistan. During his five-day official visit, the PM was cordially welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji and other senior Chinese officials. The series of high-level meetings and in-depth dialogues held during this visit demonstrate the depth and breadth of the bilateral relations.
Strengthening All-Weather Strategic Cooperation Partnership
The meeting between the two leaders focused on the all-weather strategic cooperative relationship between China and Pakistan, which has built a foundation of stability and cooperation characterized by mutual respect, strategic trust and economic interdependence. President Xi Jinping stressed that the relationship has grown over time thanks to the solid foundation of people’s support and strong internal impetus. The two leaders discussed detailed prospects for bilateral relations and made strategic proposals for future growth.
It is particularly noteworthy that President Xi Jinping has focused on strengthening strategic cooperation and promoting the building of a China-Pakistan community with a shared future. This underscores that no force can destroy the unshakable alliance between the two countries and demonstrates Beijing’s willingness to rescue Pakistan from its predicament. Prime Minister Sharif echoed this view, stressing that Pakistan will remain China’s most reliable friend and partner.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
The visit focused on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship initiative of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Both sides lauded CPEC’s important role in supporting Pakistan’s national development and improving the welfare of its people. Often described as a game-changer for Pakistan, CPEC has made significant contributions to the country’s infrastructure development, energy security and economic prosperity.
During the visit, both sides committed to pursuing building high-quality cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative and Pakistan’s development strategy, consisting of practical cooperation in various sectors suited to local requirements and developing an improved version of CPEC at the centre. The enhanced CPEC will be more comprehensive and pragmatic, aiming to better support the growth of Pakistan’s economy and society. This will include broadening the scope of the programme to cover additional areas such as transport infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, intergovernmental assistance, market surveillance, and even media and entertainment.
Another highlight of the visit was the detailed discussion on the second phase of CPEC. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared that the second phase of CPEC, aimed at improving Pakistan’s infrastructure and economic performance, will be launched soon. This phase seeks to expand on the achievements of the first phase by focusing on industrial growth, agricultural modernization and regional connectivity.
Security issues, particularly those related to Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan, dominated the discussions. The Pakistani government expressed its heartfelt condolences to the Chinese servicemen killed in the March 26 Dasu terror attack and reaffirmed its determination to crack down on and punish terrorists sternly. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the Chinese leadership that practical and effective measures would be taken to protect Chinese workers, projects and institutions in Pakistan.
Expanding bilateral cooperation
The visit also saw the signing of 23 cooperation documents covering a wide range of areas, including CPEC, transport infrastructure, agriculture, industry, intergovernmental assistance, market surveillance, geographical surveying and mapping, and media cooperation. The diverse agreements demonstrate the complex nature of China-Pakistan cooperation and the desire of both sides to explore new avenues of partnership. Prime Minister Sharif visited Shenzhen, Xi’an and other cities and praised China’s economic and social growth achievements. The Prime Minister noted that he recognised the importance of learning from China’s successful growth model and is keen to deepen exchanges of governance experiences with China.
A shared future
Our shared commitment to carrying out practical cooperation and supporting the development of high-quality CPEC is consistent with our two countries’ broader strategic objectives, which include promoting a fair and orderly multipolar world, supporting inclusive economic globalization, safeguarding the common interests of poor countries, and promoting international justice.
The visit ended on a joyous note with Prime Minister Sharif thanking the Cabinet members and key Federal Secretaries for their cooperation in contributing to the success of the visit. Prime Minister Sharif’s confidence in the future of China-Pakistan relations was evident as he said a high-level team of Chinese officials will soon visit Pakistan to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation.
Conclusion
PM Sharif’s visit to China demonstrates that China-Pakistan relations have remained strong and vibrant for many years. It underscores the mutual trust, strategic alignment and shared vision that have characterized this partnership for decades. As both countries face the challenges of the 21st century, their determination to expand cooperation and build a common future is strong. The visit paves the way for the next stage of China-Pakistan relations, including enhanced economic cooperation, strategic alignment and a shared commitment to regional and global stability. With the second phase of CPEC on the horizon and new opportunities for cooperation emerging, the future of strategic cooperation looks bright under all weathers.
