Introduction
Pakistan hosted the 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, which was a defining moment in the geopolitical landscape of South and Central Asia. Surrounded by the ongoing global shifts, the presence of Premier Li Qiang of China in Pakistan, at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, underscored the deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and China.
From October 14 to 17, 2024, Premier Li’s official visit to Pakistan served to deepen the already resilient and multifaceted Pakistan-China partnership, particularly as both countries seek to strengthen regional and global stability. Here, we explore the key events of the summit, the significance of Premier Li Qiang’s visit, and its impact on Pakistan-China relations within the broader SCO dynamics.
2024 SCO Summit: Pakistan’s Role in Shaping Regional Cooperation
Pakistan’s hosting of the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the SCO was an emblematic moment for its regional diplomacy. The summit, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, highlighted Pakistan’s pivotal role in facilitating discussions on regional security, economic integration, and political cooperation within the SCO framework.
The event drew the participation of high-level leaders from member states, including China’s Premier Li Qiang, who played a crucial role in reinforcing the importance of the Sino-Pak relationship.
As the Chair of the summit, Pakistan focused on enhancing cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, trade, and connectivity, emphasizing the mutual benefits for SCO member states.
The summit served as a platform to discuss key regional challenges, including security issues in Afghanistan, economic integration through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the promotion of peace in South Asia.
However, the most significant outcome of the summit was the reaffirmation of the Pak-China alliance and the commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership.
Pak-China Relations: A Historic and Unshakeable Bond
The visit of Premier Li Qiang to Pakistan during the SCO summit highlighted the enduring nature of the Pak-China relationship, which has evolved into an “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.” Over the decades, this relationship has stood the test of time, growing stronger with each passing year.
The partnership was significantly enhanced in 2015 with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Pakistan, which saw the formalization of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under the BRI.
During the 2024 summit, Premier Li Qiang’s meetings with key Pakistani leaders, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and military chiefs, reinforced the importance of bilateral cooperation across sectors such as defense, security, energy, infrastructure, and economic development.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the momentum of their relationship and pledged to deepen collaboration further in various strategic areas. This summit marked a significant chapter in the already robust relations between the two nations, strengthening their ties amidst a rapidly transforming global landscape.
The Strategic Importance of CPEC in Pak-China Relations
One of the key areas of discussion during the SCO summit was the ongoing progress and future prospects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Both Pakistan and China reaffirmed their commitment to upgrading CPEC, positioning it as a critical element of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif agreed to accelerate efforts to develop CPEC into a model of growth for the region, focusing on projects related to infrastructure, energy, and industrial development.
The CPEC’s role in fostering cross-regional connectivity, particularly through projects like the Gwadar Port, the Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway, and the Karakoram Highway realignment, was highlighted during the discussions. Both nations recognized Gwadar Port as a crucial hub for economic integration, not only between Pakistan and China but for the broader South Asian and Central Asian regions.
The summit also saw both nations pledge to overcome the remaining challenges surrounding water and power shortages in Gwadar to ensure its full operational capacity.
The significance of CPEC to the bilateral relationship cannot be overstated. It not only represents economic collaboration but also exemplifies the mutual strategic vision that Pakistan and China share for regional peace, development, and connectivity.
Strengthening Defense and Security Ties
Beyond economic cooperation, defense and security ties were another focal point of Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Pakistan. The summit came at a time when both countries have been working to strengthen their military cooperation to counter shared security challenges. Both nations underscored their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms, emphasizing the need for greater counterterrorism cooperation at bilateral and multilateral levels, particularly within the SCO framework.
Premier Li Qiang commended Pakistan for its relentless efforts and sacrifices in combating terrorism, highlighting the sacrifices of Pakistani soldiers in securing not only national but also regional peace. The two sides reiterated their mutual desire to maintain peace and security in South Asia, with China extending its full support to Pakistan in maintaining national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
China’s defense cooperation with Pakistan, especially in the form of joint military exercises, technology transfers, and intelligence sharing, continues to grow. The SCO summit provided an opportunity for both nations to expand on their defense collaborations, which are essential to maintaining regional stability amidst an increasingly volatile international climate.
Enhancing Socio-Economic Cooperation and People-to-People Exchanges
While the SCO summit primarily focused on high-level political and economic cooperation, both Pakistan and China recognized the importance of fostering deeper people-to-people ties. Premier Li Qiang’s visit reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s socio-economic development through CPEC projects aimed at improving public welfare, including healthcare, education, and energy.
China’s support for key projects such as the New Gwadar International Airport, the China-Pakistan Friendship Hospital, and various agricultural initiatives has bolstered Pakistan’s economic and social infrastructure. Both sides agreed to expand their collaboration in agriculture, industry, mining, and energy, with particular emphasis on enhancing Pakistan’s capacity for modernizing its agricultural sector.
The summit also laid the groundwork for future cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges between the two nations. Both sides committed to increasing cooperation in these areas, further strengthening the bond between their peoples. These exchanges are vital to passing on the legacy of the Pakistan-China friendship to future generations, ensuring that the ironclad relationship continues to thrive.
Global and Regional Implications of the Pak-China Relationship
Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Pakistan, set against the backdrop of the SCO summit, holds significant implications for both regional and global geopolitics. Pakistan and China’s shared vision for an equal, multipolar world order, as expressed during the summit, reflects their opposition to unilateralism and protectionism.
Both countries remain committed to upholding the international system based on the principles of the United Nations, promoting inclusive globalization, and ensuring fair and equitable trade practices.
The two sides also reiterated their stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, with China reaffirming its support for a peaceful resolution in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. This alignment of views on key regional issues demonstrates the strategic depth of their partnership, as both nations continue to collaborate closely on matters of mutual concern.
Moreover, the two countries’ enhanced cooperation within the SCO framework, particularly on issues like counterterrorism, trade, and regional stability, serves as a counterbalance to the growing influence of Western powers in the region. China’s support for Pakistan’s hosting of the SCO summit and its pledge to strengthen ties with Pakistan in its capacity as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council from 2025 to 2026 further solidify their mutual strategic interests.
Conclusion: The Ironclad Friendship in a Changing World
The 2024 SCO summit in Pakistan marked a significant milestone in the ever-deepening relationship between Pakistan and China. Premier Li Qiang’s visit underscored the enduring nature of their strategic partnership, which continues to evolve amidst a rapidly changing global order. From defense and security cooperation to economic development through CPEC, the two nations have consistently demonstrated their commitment to working together for mutual benefit.
As the world grapples with new geopolitical realities, the Pak-China alliance remains a cornerstone of regional stability and cooperation. The SCO summit not only reinforced the strength of their bilateral relationship but also showcased their shared vision for a more inclusive and peaceful global order. In the years to come, the ironclad friendship between Pakistan and China is poised to play an even more critical role in shaping the future of South Asia and beyond.
