DPM Dar in Beijing as Pakistan, China to hold strategic dialogue

China and Pakistan will hold crucial ‘strategic dialogue’ on Sunday, as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar reached the Chinese capital on Saturday, becoming the first top foreign diplomat to travel to Beijing in 2026.

He will co-chair the seventh round of the Pakistan–China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, against the backdrop of several regional and international developments.

A senior foreign office official said the last strategic dialogue was held in August, and the convening of the next in such a short span highlights the close cooperation and consultations between the two ‘iron-clad brothers’.

The forum is essentially to discuss broader regional and international issues and work towards aligning positions. Ongoing developments, ranging from South Asia to the Middle East and other global hotspots, make the upcoming strategic dialogue between the two countries even more significant.

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At Beijing International Airport, Dar was received by China’s Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Yue Xiaoyong, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, and senior officials of the Pakistan Embassy, reflecting the ceremonial and high-level nature of the visit. The dialogue is scheduled for Sunday, and Dar is also expected to attend a series of commemorative events celebrating the longstanding partnership between Islamabad and Beijing.

The upcoming meeting represents the highest consultative mechanism between Pakistan and China, providing a structured platform to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including political, economic, and security cooperation, as well as people-to-people exchanges. It also offers an opportunity to coordinate positions on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

According to the Foreign Office, the strategic dialogue ‘forms an important part of regular high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China and reflects their shared determination to broaden and deepen the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership’. It added that both sides remain committed to regional peace, stability, and sustainable development.

The Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue was institutionalised to provide a formal mechanism for comprehensive consultations on bilateral and regional matters. The upcoming seventh round follows the last meeting held in August 2025, less than five months ago, signalling the accelerated pace of high-level interactions between the two countries.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in May 1951, Pakistan has been among the first countries to recognise the People’s Republic of China. Over the decades, the ties have evolved into a multifaceted partnership characterised by strong political trust, close defence cooperation, and expanding economic engagement. The relationship has survived multiple regional upheavals and global power shifts, with both countries often describing each other as ‘iron brothers’.

Beijing has consistently supported Islamabad on core issues, including the Kashmir dispute, while Pakistan has reaffirmed China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on the international stage. Defence collaboration and security coordination have remained integral elements of the bilateral partnership, bolstering both countries’ strategic stability in the region.

Economic cooperation, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has become a central pillar of bilateral engagement over the past decade.

Despite challenges such as global economic volatility and domestic constraints, both governments have reiterated their commitment to high-quality development of CPEC projects. The upcoming dialogue is expected to focus on strengthening industrial collaboration, promoting agricultural innovation, expanding information technology initiatives, and pursuing green development projects in line with sustainable development goals.

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The dialogue comes amid a rapidly changing regional security environment. Key issues likely to feature on the agenda include the situation in Afghanistan following the political transition, ongoing tensions in the Middle East, and the evolving strategic competition among major powers. Analysts suggest that both Islamabad and Beijing may discuss coordinated approaches to regional stability, multilateral diplomacy, and security challenges in South and Central Asia.

In addition, the strategic dialogue provides an avenue for both countries to exchange assessments on global developments, including post-pandemic economic recovery trends, energy security concerns, and emerging trade and technology partnerships. Observers note that Beijing’s increasing global economic and strategic outreach aligns with Islamabad’s objectives of stabilising its economy while leveraging Chinese support for sustainable development.

A key highlight of Dar’s visit is the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations in 2026. The dialogue is expected to be accompanied by announcements of joint initiatives and commemorative activities, reflecting decades of enduring trust and cooperation. From cultural exchanges to collaborative development projects, both sides plan to underline the historical significance of the partnership while mapping its trajectory for the future.

“Seventy-five years of diplomatic engagement is a milestone that not only commemorates history but also reaffirms our shared vision for long-term cooperation,” said the Foreign Office in its briefing. The anniversary celebrations are likely to include high-level dialogues, bilateral visits, and sector-specific initiatives aimed at deepening people-to-people ties, trade, and technological collaboration.

Dar’s visit follows a series of high-level engagements between Islamabad and Beijing in recent months, highlighting the momentum in bilateral relations. The regularity of these dialogues indicates the priority both countries attach to strategic coordination and reflects mutual recognition of the geostrategic and economic benefits of close cooperation.

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While the dialogue is primarily consultative, experts expect practical outcomes, including agreements on trade facilitation, energy cooperation, joint infrastructure projects, and coordinated diplomatic strategies on regional security matters. The dialogue will also serve as a platform for reaffirming the ‘All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ and advancing both nations’ common interests at international forums.

Dar’s trip to Beijing underscores the enduring nature of Pakistan-China relations and the shared resolve to navigate regional and global challenges collaboratively. The strategic dialogue not only consolidates decades of trust and partnership but also sets the stage for a future of expanded economic collaboration, strategic alignment, and people-centered engagement between the two countries.