Pakistan-China bond enters a new era
Zubair Yaqoob
China and Pakistan’s longstanding relationship was celebrated in Karachi on Tuesday as diplomats, academics, business leaders and civil society representatives gathered to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, with speakers describing the partnership as one of the most enduring and resilient bilateral relationships in modern diplomacy.
The seminar, organized by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Karachi, brought together senior officials and prominent figures from various sectors to reflect on the history, achievements and future direction of cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing. Among those attending the event were Chinese Consul General Yang Yundong, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Liaison Office Karachi Irfan Soomro, Chairperson KCFR Nadra Panjwani, Dr. Junaid Ahmed, FPCCI Senior Vice President Farooq Afzal, and Ziauddin University Vice Chancellor Muhammad Ali Shaikh.
Diplomats, members of the business community, media representatives, academics and civil society members also participated in the discussions. Addressing the gathering, Consul General Yang Yundong described China-Pakistan relations as a model of peaceful coexistence, strategic trust and mutually beneficial cooperation. He said the friendship between the two countries had grown stronger over the decades despite changing global circumstances and regional challenges. “China-Pakistan friendship is stronger than ever,” Yang said, noting that the relationship had consistently evolved while maintaining a foundation of mutual respect and support. Reflecting on his more than three years in Karachi as his diplomatic tenure nears its conclusion, Yang expressed appreciation for the hospitality and goodwill extended by the people of Pakistan.
He said bilateral engagement had expanded across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, culture and educational exchanges, helping deepen ties between the two nations. The consul general emphasized the importance of people-to-people contacts, pointing to exchanges involving parliamentarians, journalists, students, scholars and think tank representatives. According to him, such interactions have played a vital role in strengthening understanding and cooperation between Chinese and Pakistani societies. Yang also highlighted a number of public welfare initiatives undertaken by the Chinese Consulate General in Karachi.
These included scholarship programs for students, solar streetlight projects and the provision of medical supplies aimed at supporting local communities and promoting development. Reviewing the historical trajectory of bilateral relations, the Chinese diplomat recalled that diplomatic ties were formally established 75 years ago and had since evolved into what both countries describe as an “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.” He cited several milestones that helped shape the relationship, including the 1963 China-Pakistan Boundary Agreement and Pakistan’s support for the restoration of China’s seat at the United Nations. He said Pakistan’s continued adherence to the One-China principle and China’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity had fostered a high degree of political trust, which remains a defining feature of the relationship. Turning to economic cooperation, Yang highlighted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. He said the corridor had entered a new stage of high-quality development and had contributed significantly to infrastructure expansion, industrial growth and regional connectivity across Pakistan.
The consul general also referred to recent visits to China by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, describing them as important steps in advancing bilateral consensus and opening new avenues for cooperation. Speaking at the seminar, DG MOFA Liaison Office Karachi Irfan Soomro said Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China and noted that the two nations had consistently supported each other over the past seven and a half decades. He said the relationship had transformed into a bond of deep trust and cooperation, adding that the recent visits by Pakistan’s leadership to China reflected the strength and continuity of the partnership.
Other speakers, including Muhammad Ali Shaikh and representatives of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, also highlighted the growing scope of collaboration in education, trade and cultural exchanges.
