Beijing: Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their unyielding support for each other on issues concerning their respective core interests. The commitment was underscored in a joint communiqu© issued following the Seventh Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.
According to Radio Pakistan, China reiterated its steadfast support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. China supported Pakistan in firmly combating terrorism and playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs. Pakistan reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China principle, reiterating that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. Pakistan also firmly supported China on issues concerning Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea.
They reiterated their intention to further promote their ironclad ties, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and continue to strengthen strategic cooperation to break new ground and set new goals in their All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. During the dialogue, the two sides announced the launch of commemorative activities this year to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, emphasizing this will serve as an opportunity to consolidate China-Pakistan friendship and expand new areas of cooperation.
The strategic dialogue noted that the sound and robust growth of China-Pakistan relations is of great strategic significance for regional peace, stability, and development. At the meeting, China commended the comprehensive measures taken by Pakistan to combat terrorism and protect the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan. China fully recognized the significant contributions and sacrifices that Pakistan made in combating terrorism over the years.
The two sides reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with zero tolerance and agreed to further deepen all-round cooperation on counter-terrorism and security. They agreed to further align their development plans and priorities, building an upgraded version 2.0 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a pioneering project of the Belt and Road Initiative.
They agreed to focus on the key sectors of industry, agriculture, and mining, promote the building and operation of the Gwadar Port, ensure the smooth passage of the Karakoram Highway, and enhance Pakistan’s capacity for sustainable development. Cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, information technology, and education will be deepened, and third-party participation in CPEC cooperation is welcomed.
The two sides also agreed to further strengthen cooperation in the financial and banking sectors, including mutual support at regional and international multilateral financial forums. Expanding space cooperation was another highlight, with both countries expressing satisfaction and looking forward to the expected early entrance of Pakistani astronauts into the China Space Station.
The dialogue emphasized the importance of a South Asian regional order underpinned by the U.N. Charter, international law, and the basic norms governing international relations. China reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute should be properly and peacefully resolved in accordance with the U.N. Charter, relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions, and bilateral agreements.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to the U.N. Charter, support for multilateralism and free trade, and opposition to hegemonism and bullying behaviors. They agreed to maintain close communication on the Afghan issue and called for more actions to dismantle terrorist organizations based in Afghanistan, preventing the use of Afghan territory for terrorism against any country.