The recent high-level official meetings between Pakistan and China reflect a new trajectory in the strategic partnership. To contribute to the continuation of the longstanding friendship both sides committed to enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various areas of mutual cooperation.
On 9th June, 2024, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan issued a joint statement between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the People’s Republic of China. In the joint statement, it was stated that at the invitation of H.E. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan paid an official visit to China from 4 to8 June, 2024.
The recent high-level official meetings between Pakistan and China reflect a new trajectory in the strategic partnership. To contribute to the continuation of the longstanding friendship both sides committed to enhance bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various areas of mutual cooperation. Therefore, discussions included Phase-two of CPEC, ML-I and, so many industrial relocation projects. The most important aspect of this visit is Pakistan’s commitment to advancing in a positive direction and ensuring that no adversary disrupts this relationship.
Strengthening Economic Ties
Both states established a broad consensus on further strengthening the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promoting practical cooperation in numerous areas. Since, the launch of CPEC, both countries have adhered to the principle of “planning together, building together, and benefiting together,” marking a first decade of CPEC.
During the visit, the two countries signed 23 agreements and Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) covering cooperation in CPEC, agriculture, infrastructure, industrial cooperation, inter-governmental development assistance, market regulation, surveying and mapping, media, film, etc. Both states engaged in candid discussions and in-depth exchanges of views on the entire gamut of bilateral relations, regional circumstances, and international panorama.
Key Projects and Initiatives
Embarking on a shared journey, both sides committed to supporting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation through eight major steps. These steps include, an upgraded version of CPEC by jointly building a growth corridor, a livelihood-enhancing corridor, an innovation corridor, a green corridor and an open corridor, aligning with Pakistan’s 5Es Framework (Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy, and Equity and Empowerment). These steps aim to benefit both countries and their peoples, making CPEC an exemplary project of high-quality building of Belt and Road cooperation.
Expanding Cooperation in Various Sectors
While setting off on a journey of collaboration, both states pledge to augment bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various areas of mutual cooperation like education, sports, broadcasting, media, and think tanks. Additionally, they are determined to bolster practical cooperation in the fields of culture and tourism to promote their respective cultures. Moreover, both states aim to continue to strengthen policy coordination in the field of artificial intelligence and strengthening their partnership in emerging technologies, including communication infrastructure, 5G, big data, and cloud computing.
Security and regional Stability
Peace and security remained major themes of the talks. During their meetings, China and Pakistan underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the South Asia and discussed Afghanistan and Jammu and Kashmir. China reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute should be resolved peacefully in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.
As far as Afghanistan is concerned, both states agreed to strengthen communication and coordination and called for concerted international efforts to support Afghanistan in addressing challenges. They decided to play a constructive role in helping Afghanistan achieve stable development and integrate into the international community.
Strategic and Military Partnership
Reaffirming their strong bonds, both states expressed satisfaction with the high-level of strategic mutual trust between their armed forces and agreed to maintain and promote high-level cooperation in joint training, exercises, and military technology. Chief of army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir and Chinese President Xi Jinping also met each other during the sidelines of a high-level Pakistani delegation’s visit to China.
The negotiations between China and Pakistan extended beyond traditional security concerns to include non-traditional security threats, with the aim of exploring avenues for mutual collaboration and cooperation. In this regard, China expressed its willingness to collaborate with Pakistan in promoting the establishment of the Belt and Road International Cooperation Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Management.
China reiterated its commitment to continue providing support and assistance to Pakistan and other developing countries in addressing climate change and mitigating the adverse impacts of extreme weather events.
Industrial and Trade Cooperation
Recognizing CPEC as a pioneering project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China confirmed its willingness to work with Pakistan and other developing countries to promote development and prosperity based on mutual respect, trust, equality, win-win cooperation, solidarity, and coordination.
Under the Phase II of Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement, both countries decided to conduct further consultation and actively explore concessional arrangements for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. The various modules were also discussed with strong affirmation to enhance bilateral energy cooperation and collaboration in clean energy sector.
In order to improve the export capacity, Pakistani government identified 13 priority sectors for enhancing export-oriented industry. Pakistani government encouraged Chinese top companies in these sectors to make investment in Pakistan. To further strengthen business to business exchanges China was committed to implementing more “small yet smart” livelihood programs in Pakistan.
The Action Plan for Framework Agreement on Industrial Cooperation under CPEC was also signed. China confirmed its commitment to Pakistan’s industrialization, and encouraged Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones. Both states welcomed third party participation in CPEC cooperation in areas such as industry, agriculture, ICT, science and technology and mining, as CPEC platform is inclusive and values win-win cooperation.
Both countries expressed their willingness to actively encourage Chinese companies to invest in the mining industry of Pakistan, and strengthen the planning of mining industrial parks, including downstream mineral processing. China has also expressed its willingness to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in areas of offshore oil and gas resources, therefore, China would encourage Chinese companies to actively participate in the development of offshore oil and gas blocks of Pakistan.
Enhancing Connectivity through Infrastructure Upgrades
While considering the infrastructure, the Karakoram Highway (Raikot-Thakot) realignment project was reviewed and the framework agreement was signed during this visit. This project holds great significance for the smooth operation of the only land based channel between Pakistan and China.
Pakistan and China agreed to advance the upgradation of the infrastructure of the Khunjerab-Sost pass to realize its all-year-round functionality at an early date. As, this pass plays an important role in promoting trade and people-to-people exchanges between China and Pakistan. Both states reiterated the need to speed up the development of the of the Gwadar Port as well, to fully realize the potential of the coastal city as an important cross-regional connectivity hub.
Conclusion
The enduring Pakistan-China partnership stands as a beacon of strategic trust and multifaceted cooperation in an increasingly complex global landscape. This recent visit of
Prime Minister of Pakistan to China emphasizes the depth and priority of this relationship, marked by candid discussions and a vital consensus on enhancing their All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Navigating challenges like terrorism and realizing the full potential of ambitious projects like CPEC, will be critical to their ability to secure the region and foster economic prosperity.
Though the strength of their “ironclad friendship” will be tested, history suggests that Pakistan and China have the resilience and resolve to not only weather the storm but also to thrive together in a future defined by mutual growth and stability. The next phase of this durable alliance promises to be as dynamic and impactful as its celebrated past.
