Pakistan, China Strengthen Strategic Ties Amid Global Challenges

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Pakistan and China reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, defense, and infrastructure, emphasizing the strategic importance of their partnership.

On August 2, 2025, Pakistan and China solidified their resolve to expand their longstanding strategic partnership, focusing on economic, military, and diplomatic cooperation, according to a joint statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). The reaffirmation came during high-level talks in Islamabad, where both nations underscored the need to counter regional challenges and advance mutual interests. The discussions highlighted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), valued at $62 billion, which includes infrastructure developments like highways and energy projects.

The talks emphasized accelerating CPEC Phase II, which includes 41 proposed projects in infrastructure, information technology (IT), and agriculture, as noted by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal during his recent Beijing visit. Both sides agreed to enhance trade liberalization under the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aiming to boost Pakistan’s exports to China, which reached $1.83 billion in 2017, per China’s customs data. The statement also highlighted the extension of the Bilateral Currency Swap Arrangement, supporting Pakistan’s fiscal stability.

On security, Pakistan and China vowed to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts, particularly to protect CPEC projects, following concerns over attacks targeting Chinese personnel. Pakistan’s recent allocation of PKR 45 billion ($162 million) for armed forces to secure Chinese interests reflects this priority. The nations also expressed shared concerns over the Gaza conflict, supporting a two-state solution for Palestine, and called for a peaceful resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with United Nations (UN) resolutions.

The partnership, rooted in diplomatic ties established in 1950, remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, with China describing it as a priority in its global strategy. The joint statement reaffirmed the resilience of their alliance in the face of regional pressures. As global dynamics shift, this alliance aims to foster stability and economic growth, leveraging China’s support to bolster Pakistan’s position in South Asia.