The historically deep-rooted China-Pakistan relations are based on friendship and strategic cooperation. Over the years, both countries have adopted a common perspective on regional and global issues, strengthening their mutual trust and reinforcing their bilateral relations. This long-standing cooperation has not been limited to diplomatic relations, but significant steps have also been taken in the fields of economy, culture, and security.
China’s economic aid to Pakistan, the deepening trade relations, military collaborations, and mutual cultural interactions are indicators of how solid the foundations of this relationship are built on different dimensions. Additionally, both countries supporting each other in regional security issues and presenting a stronger stance on the international stage highlights the importance of this strategic partnership.
On February 5, 2025, the visit of Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari to China became a concrete example of this deepening strategic partnership and mutual trust. Zardari’s visit not only aimed at strengthening bilateral relations but also emphasized that the strategic partnership between China and Pakistan should be considered from a broader perspective.[1]During the meetings in Beijing, it was once again demonstrated how strong the mutual understanding and trust between the two countries are regarding their cooperation.
Zardari’s visit particularly emphasized the necessity of further advancing major projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), noting that these projects not only provide economic development but also create a platform that will strengthen regional stability. CPEC creates an important economic development opportunity for Pakistan, while it is also a project that strengthens China’s strategic influence in the region.
Another important aspect of Zardari’s visit to China is security cooperation. China plays a significant role in supporting Pakistan’s internal security. During Zardari’s visit, the determination of both countries to enhance cooperation in counterterrorism and security issues was once again emphasized. China stated that it would continue to stand by Pakistan in its struggle against terrorism and highlighted the importance of taking steps to ensure Pakistan’s internal security.[2]This has been a support that aligns with the security measures China implements to protect its investments in the region. China’s determination in this regard has not only strengthened bilateral relations but also become a critical step in ensuring regional stability. Zardari’s security-focused visit to China represents an important milestone in the mutual interests of both countries.
On the other hand, the visit has gained acceleration not only in the economic and security fields but also in cultural and diplomatic relations. Cultural cooperation is extremely important in establishing a closer bond between the two peoples and enhancing mutual understanding. Zardari emphasized increasing cultural interaction with China, strengthening people-to-people ties, and fostering more cooperation in education. Such cultural interactions not only allow the peoples of both countries to better understand each other, but also lay a solid foundation for long-term relations. Moreover, these steps serve to strengthen relations between the two countries and contribute to the global expansion of this friendship.
Pakistan aims to expand its relations with China not only on a bilateral level but also in multilateral relations globally. As stated by China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, before the visit, “A secure and stable environment for practical cooperation, including the construction of CPEC, is indispensable between China and Pakistan.”[3] This secure environment aims to strengthen not only economic cooperation but also collaboration on multilateral platforms.
The global perspective emphasized during Zardari’s visit demonstrates Pakistan’s aim to build a broader cooperation network with China. Both countries are determined to act together within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). These types of collaborations not only contribute to economic development but also support the achievement of global peace. Pakistan consistently expresses its willingness to play an active role in the promotion of free trade, strengthening the principle of multilateralism, and protecting the common interests of developing countries alongside China. This determination reflects the two countries’ goal of creating a stronger global influence.
Consequently, Zardari’s visit to China is of critical importance in reinforcing and further deepening the strategic partnership between China and Pakistan. The visit has facilitated concrete steps not only in economic cooperation but also in areas such as security, cultural interaction, and multilateral collaborations. China’s support for Pakistan’s internal security and the cooperation between the two countries in counterterrorism aim to strengthen regional stability, while increasing cultural ties seeks to reinforce understanding between peoples. Additionally, the determination to act together in global multilateral platforms demonstrates that China and Pakistan are in strong cooperation not only for regional but also for global peace and development. This visit has made a significant contribution to strengthening relations from a broader perspective.
[1] “Xi holds talks with Pakistani president”, Xinhua, https://english.news.cn/20250206/612ea0633e8e42a7b9fd873affdc3468/c.html, (Date Accession: 07.02.2025).
[2] “Ironclad, enduring friendship with Pakistan highlighted”, China Daily, https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202502/06/WS67a3ee77a310a2ab06eaa56b.html, (Date Accession: 07.02.2025).
[3] Ibid.
