Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist, Diplomat, Editor, Analyst, Consultant, Advisor, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG. (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).
On May 21, 1951, Pakistan and China established diplomatic relations, marking the beginning of a formidable and enduring partnership. Over the decades, this relationship has flourished, with both nations committed to further strengthening their bond. This historic journey is a testament to the unwavering friendship and mutual respect shared by Pakistan and China.
From the outset, Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize the People's Republic of China. This early recognition laid the foundation for what would become an "All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership." Pakistan views China as one of its closest allies, while China regards Pakistan as its "Iron Brother." The bilateral relationship is characterized by mutual trust, respect, and goodwill, underpinned by regular high-level exchanges and strategic cooperation.
Economically, China is Pakistan’s largest trading partner and a significant investor, particularly in infrastructure and the energy sector. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), launched as part of President Xi Jinping’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative, has elevated this relationship to new heights. CPEC aims to enhance connectivity and infrastructure between the two countries, bringing substantial economic benefits and fostering regional development. Numerous projects under CPEC are improving infrastructure and energy generation, further solidifying this partnership.
People-to-people contacts are a crucial aspect of the bilateral relationship. Both nations have established multiple consultation mechanisms, including Strategic Dialogue at the Foreign Ministers’ level, and Political Consultations at the Foreign Secretary/Vice-Minister level. These mechanisms cover a wide array of areas such as South Asia, arms control, counter-terrorism, human rights, peacekeeping, maritime dialogue, border management, and consular affairs.
Defence Cooperation
The defense collaboration between Pakistan and China is robust and extensive. It encompasses high-level military exchanges, structured defense and security talks, joint exercises, and training of personnel in each other’s institutions. Joint ventures in the production of military equipment, aircraft, submarines, and tanks further cement this cooperation. Notably, China receives the largest number of military training officials from Pakistan, highlighting the depth of their defense ties.
Trade, Commerce, and Investment Cooperation
China is Pakistan’s largest single trading partner, while Pakistan ranks as China’s second-largest trading partner in South Asia. Key imports from China include machinery, metals, chemical products, mineral ores, and transport equipment, while Pakistan exports cotton yarn, cotton fabric, rice, leather, and fish products to China. Despite robust Chinese investment, the bilateral trade balance has room for improvement, with China’s exports to Pakistan on an upward trend and its imports from Pakistan showing a downward trajectory.
To address this, the two countries signed the second phase of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA-II) in April 2019, operational since January 2020. This agreement aims to provide a level playing field, robust safeguard measures for domestic industry protection, improved tariff reduction modalities, and attract foreign direct investment into Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
Since its inception in 2013, CPEC has been the cornerstone of the China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. It symbolizes a win-win development initiative, enhancing regional connectivity and promoting sustainable development. The Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC), co-chaired by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform and China’s Vice-Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission, oversees CPEC’s implementation. The JCC is supported by 11 Joint Working Groups covering various cooperation areas, with recent additions focusing on Science & Technology and Agriculture.
Under CPEC’s first phase, China invested approximately $25.4 billion in Pakistan, primarily in energy and transport infrastructure sectors. These investments have added 8000 MW of energy to the national grid, constructed 510 kilometers of highways, 932 kilometers of road networks, and 820 kilometers of optical fiber lines, creating over 192,000 jobs in Pakistan.
A Legacy of Mutual Support
Pakistan was the first Muslim-majority country to formally recognize the People’s Republic of China, an act remembered fondly by the 1.4 billion Chinese people. Under the leadership of successive generations, both countries have supported each other through global challenges, creating a relationship that has weathered all storms and stood the test of time. This friendship sets a shining example for state-to-state relations.
Over the past 73 years, China and Pakistan have maintained high-level contacts, enhancing mutual political trust and cooperation. Since 2013, Pakistani leaders have frequently visited China, and President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Pakistan in 2015 further uplifted bilateral ties. Recently, both nations have agreed to accelerate major connectivity projects and strengthen cooperation in agriculture, industrial parks, mining, and information technology, enhancing Pakistan’s capacity for sustainable development.
Looking Ahead
As China celebrates the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 2024, the remarkable achievements of its people under the Communist Party’s leadership are evident. China has transformed from a backward, impoverished country into the world’s second-largest economy, lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty and driving global growth.
The journey of China’s development highlights the synergy between security and development. Security is essential for sustainable development, while development ensures long-term security. This balanced approach will continue to drive China’s progress, creating opportunities for all countries, including Pakistan.
A Shared Future
At this critical juncture, both China and Pakistan are poised for significant development. China is advancing high-quality development and opening up, while Pakistan is pursuing socioeconomic transformation. The unbreakable and long-standing friendship between the two nations will undoubtedly reach new heights, fostering a shared future of prosperity and cooperation.
May the diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan remain everlasting. Long live China-Pakistan friendship!
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
