China welcomes enhanced cooperation with Iran on CPEC

E-Paper | April 27, 2026

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong in an interview with Iran's IRNA news agency on Monday said China anticipates enhancing cooperation with Iran on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

China looks forward to increased regional cooperation by means of the CPEC, Weidong said, adding that it would be a win-win venture.

"We think that Iran can also be a very important country along the Belt and the Road initiative, so we really look forward to enhance our cooperation with Iran," he said. "CPEC is a win-win cooperation so we are looking forward to explore the possibilities of cooperation among the all the regional countries."

The possibility of extending an energy line from Iran to China in the future can be 'explored', Weidong said during the interview.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in a meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly had expressed a desire to be part of CPEC.

Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Ahsan Iqbal in October said that Iran and Saudi Arabia's desire to join CPEC was a good step and Pakistan would welcome their involvement in the $46 billion project.

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Pakistan

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Nomi Goraya

Oct 18, 2016 12:30pm

Pakistan must work hard diplomatically to bring friendly countries like Iran as part of CPEC as this will make this project real game changer owing to the geographic location of Iran if Iran becomes part it means Pakistan and China will have direct access to Europe via Turkey when keep the warm ties of Turkey with Pakistan is mind this will make this project economic catalyst for Pakistan and provide more markets to China

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NaveedKhan

Oct 18, 2016 12:34pm

I suggest India should also be included in CPEC. It will become a big economic venture for the whole region.

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Majid

Oct 18, 2016 12:39pm

We will come Iran to join CPEC it will be fruitful for everyone in region.

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Kamal Pasha.

Oct 18, 2016 12:41pm

@NaveedKhan, Never ever.

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ashraf india

Oct 18, 2016 12:47pm

@NaveedKhan How CPEC creates wealth for Pakistan, just by providing access to other countries. Then may be it make sense, you do it on your own/borrowed money than China doing it for you. This will enable to have your rights on infrastructure than China dectating terms.

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abbas

Oct 18, 2016 12:43pm

Iran, Afghanistan & India must be part of CPEC

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ART KP

Oct 18, 2016 12:47pm

Since when was ancient "Silk route" complete without Iran? Iran should be welcomed for a its slice of CPEC.

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Fast

Oct 18, 2016 12:49pm

CPEC all the way Inshallah!! We all Pakistanis are united to protect and complete CPEC at all cost Inshallah!!

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explorer3222

Oct 18, 2016 12:53pm

xi is totally dictator， he splurge money across the world ， never care chinese poor people 。 chinese have no election， who give him power to oppress 1.3 billion Chinese？

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Understanding politics

Oct 18, 2016 12:52pm

Yes CPEC is like a public limited company ,anybody can join it by purchasing share from stock exchange.

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Understanding politics

Oct 18, 2016 12:52pm

@Majid .Welcome.

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Ismail

Oct 18, 2016 12:57pm

Don't get so excited! You need to wait for the pie to cool down before deciding how to slice it amongst our friends while the eternal enemies watch in envy.

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Oct 18, 2016 01:00pm

Excellent move.

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Fast

Oct 18, 2016 01:03pm

@ashraf india From a lot of ways! First we will collect tax from China and all other countries using our land for their goods. Second after connecting to all regional countries our exports will definitely increase many fold. Third being a central point to CPEC every country would like to invest in Pakistan as if you make some thing in Pakistan you can supply extra things to CPEC connected countries easily. Fourth and most important Gawadar will emerge as a winner port in the region, Gawadar will be richest and most prosperous city in Pakistan in future to come Inshallah.

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Oct 18, 2016 01:11pm

@NaveedKhan I agree with your suggestion to bring India within CPEC fold, however India must realize that Kashmir is the core of problem, stop human rights abuse in held kashmir and fulfil UN resolutions regarding Kashmir.

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asif

Oct 18, 2016 01:14pm

Iran is very close from gawadar and we can become major hub for transport Iranian oil to west China from our gawadar port and can earn billions of dollars that will be real game changer for us

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THINK SHUTTLE

Oct 18, 2016 01:18pm

@Ismail CPEC is $50 billion ultimate layered chocolate cake, heavenly and creamy, perfect for celebrations and Iran wants its slice.

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Thought

Oct 18, 2016 01:37pm

And we isolated according to Indian PM, this is what we called diplomacy.

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M.Saeed

Oct 18, 2016 01:43pm

This is a highly progressive and most welcomed initiative of China. It will greatly enhanced the game-changing capabilities of CPEC. Perhaps, Pakistan should consider accelerated revival and incorporation of defunct RCD highway with the CPEC!

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SAEED MASOOD

Oct 18, 2016 01:42pm

Only hundred percent honesty and hard work, open and transparent with the nation and people of Pakistan, China and the other countries are alright what we have to do is that make Pakistan alright and establish its good image...This is how CPEC will become a game changer...Inshahallah.

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Mahmood

Oct 18, 2016 01:48pm

Absolutely! Iran is a already a major player in the region. And after the lifting of sanctions, has nearly $100 billion in trade deals signed with European and other nations, The Economic revival of Iran will be a great boast for CPEC, Pakistan and China.

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Oct 18, 2016 02:11pm

I see where this is going, its all coming together now. Chabahar will be shelved, Pakistan and China are going to give Iran good tariffs. All Iran will need to do is help build the rail link.

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Tahir

Oct 18, 2016 02:29pm

@NaveedKhan Never ever- how there is no direct link from this road- they are liars cheating the world- just balming pakistan for everything

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Harmony-1©

Oct 18, 2016 02:32pm

@NaveedKhan - Yes but after Kashmir resolution.

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Woz Ahmed

Oct 18, 2016 02:30pm

@Nomi Goraya Don't forget sir China already has a direct rail route to Europe and has already sent cargo trains in that direction. Sending trains over the Himalayas, through Pakistan and then onto Europe probably is not going to be the most cost effective measure. They also already send trains direct to Iran. But we can hope.

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Oct 18, 2016 03:23pm

China can build enhanced refinery in Iran itself to pump petrol kerosene diesel and gas from Iran to other countries rather than wasting money in crude oil transportation.This also calls for proper planning for pipelines where electric power,optic fiber and water will also flow !

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bipin

Oct 18, 2016 03:40pm

@THINK SHUTTLE, thats good, If Iran is part of CPEC then Indian Interests are taken Care...

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Changez Khan

Oct 18, 2016 04:12pm

All Pakistan neighbors should be part of this CPEC including India.

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Luck

Oct 18, 2016 04:24pm

@ashraf india by collecting taxes to use the roads. Corridor is not a free passage. Handling , storing, sorting will all require manpower.

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Oct 18, 2016 04:44pm

Good move.

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AbbasToronto

Oct 18, 2016 04:47pm

In its aim to build the New Silk Road and OBOR Iran and Russia are the key. Look at the map. They can not be bypassed. All others, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkeys can. Pakistan must cooperate with Afghanistan and Iran or be left out of the future. India has no future unless it comes to its senses and makes peace with. Pakistan. Look at the map.

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S. A. M.

Oct 18, 2016 04:54pm

for those Pakistanis who are having doubts about the enormous benefits that CPEC is likely to give to Pakistan and its people my request is please do not pay attention to negative propaganda against CPEC. if it had not been something of great significance countries like Iran Saudi Arab Russia would not have expressed their desire to be part of it. if it had been such a worthless project why would our neighbour India be fuming from every angle. it's a game changer and its going to give us lots of benefits Inshallah.

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Iftikhar Husain

Oct 18, 2016 05:08pm

Iran will be a welcome partner in this project.

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Raja Farhat abbas

Oct 18, 2016 05:30pm

@bipin '' thats good, If Iran is part of CPEC then Indian Interests are taken Care'',you do not have a clue how the Iranians think, in a way i can understand that because you have nothing in common with the Aryan nation of Iran.

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Udai Shankar

Oct 18, 2016 06:04pm

Honestly, India has nothing to gain from joining CPEC. While pakistan can gt some free roads. India's only worry will be a direct access to China to region near India's western borders. There can be security concerns for India, but not economic. CPEC or not, India still has to connect to Iran via Mumbai.

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Fast

Oct 18, 2016 06:59pm

@Udai Shankar Friend traveling from Mumbai to Iran is impossible without passing through Pakistans sea waters area. And also each indian vessel will be direct scrutiny of Pak navy. Also you know distance between Mumbai and Iran is 1500km so very costly movement.

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Ali

Oct 18, 2016 07:17pm

@NaveedKhan ...very bold step in the current atmosphere!! Yes in principle hat is a valid and good idea and may develop more understanding and trust between the neighboring states.

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N_Saq

Oct 18, 2016 07:18pm

CPEC must be completed under all costs, period. If carried out correctly where all will benefit i.e. rich, poor, Punjab, Sindh, KPK, Balochistan etc. then it will make Pak otherwise it will break Pak i.e. if only the rich/waderas benefit. CPEC success will bring in many more counties to use it. China is rising by the day and will be the next super power in next decade. Every country on the globe will be doing business with China and would like to be on its good side, however, who ever opposes it will pay a heavy price in the future.

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Oct 18, 2016 07:26pm

East must solve issues among them. so that they can live as happy and developed nation as west.

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Sachin

Oct 18, 2016 07:51pm

A shop should sell to anyone who comes to buy. If the shopkeeper selects buyer or rejects buyer, its not good for business. However does Pakistan realize that building CPEC is one thing, but to reap benefits out of it, entire economy all sectors will need to be liberalised and opened up.

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Hopeful

Oct 18, 2016 10:26pm

@NaveedKhan Do you think they can be trusted?

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Ajooj Majooj

Oct 19, 2016 02:43am

According to Chairman Senate committee on CPEC, Karachi with 6 new berths & six lane highway plus proposed rail link between Lahore & Karachi(all under CEPEC investment), Gawader is non starter, no one interested in investment in Gawader having option of Karachi. How it suit Iran Chabahar port to do business with Karachi port? Obviously Iran will take anything it benefit them but these are competing ports.

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Alba

Oct 19, 2016 06:46am

Translated from Mandarin Chinese this means Pakistan cannot protect the CPEC without the assistance of Iran.

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Mike London

Oct 19, 2016 06:46am

@explorer3222 , totally agree.

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Mike London

Oct 19, 2016 06:48am

CPEC is another East India company.

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Alba

Oct 19, 2016 07:02am

@NaveedKhan .... That is the message China has been sending Lahore. "We expect better of you. Your quarrel is not our quarrel."

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Alba

Oct 19, 2016 07:10am

@explorer3222 .... .... The Chinese people understand that. They accept it. They may not like it but they know they are fifty times better off than they were during the Cultural Revolution.

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Alba

Oct 19, 2016 07:23am

@Fast .... Your ideas of doing business with China are counter to the accepted rules of international trade. The Chinese are not in business to lose money. There are also checks and balances to tariffs and the balance of trade.

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Alba

Oct 19, 2016 07:58am

@N_Saq ... .... China's largest trading partner is the United States. More Chinese have been awarded advanced degrees from US universities than Indians, Bangladeshis and Pakistanis combined.

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Bold expressions

Oct 19, 2016 08:23am

Iran will skip Chahbahar project, it's simply expensive,and not secure. And soon will join CPEC.

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J Abid

Oct 19, 2016 09:16am

CPEC should be good for the region including India. IMF, World Bank and the Western interests would love to sabotage this development. Beware of these schemes.

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Akbar Khan

Oct 19, 2016 09:52am

Until i see the fine print of #CPEC, i can't advocate Pakistan and friends to join.

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Pak

Oct 19, 2016 12:14pm

@NaveedKhan India unless to resolve Kashmir.

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akram

Oct 19, 2016 06:26pm

@Udai Shankar what india can gain is access to central asia using the cheapest, quickest route. they can also seek to lay oil & gas pipelines from Iran/Afghanistan across Pakistan into india. Indian steel companies who have bought into the Hajigak Iron ore mine were seeking access to india by crossing Pakistan. They can also get a shorter route to western China through CPEC. There is plenty of benefits there my friend, you just need to open your eyes a bit.

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abdul

Oct 19, 2016 06:27pm

Another win for Pakistan.This is a good news.

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Pandey

Oct 19, 2016 11:29pm

@NaveedKhan thanks bro but we are boycotting Chinese good. And I am glad that you are well-wisher of India. Seriously feeling good after reading your comment. its true India, china and pakistan will become regional strong economy but china will get more advantage of profile and we want to be bigger and better economy from China and it can be done only when when we are not dependent on it.

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Qazi

Oct 20, 2016 12:31am

@NaveedKhan ....No way at all!

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Qazi

Oct 20, 2016 12:36am

@Mike London .....Okay, thank you for the valuable info!

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Torus Makto

Oct 20, 2016 04:48am

So Afghanistan wants in on CPEC and Iran is also a consideration but what about India? oh yea I forgot they are only interested in the diplomatic isolation as successfully exhibited during BRICS summit.

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Texans, US

Oct 20, 2016 05:03am

What a wonderful opportunity that after two decade later this region has decided to cooperate and build CPEC. Can you imagine the power of Pakistan, China, India, and Iran making a EC like business union! Its the worst narrow minded and backward South Asia who is holding this back. India will have to give up its dream and obsession of dominating Pakistan and join this, otherwise, they will be on the wrong side of the new cold war. US will keep manipulating the region and make sure that they don't come together because it meets their financial goals but China is too far ahead in the race now.

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Torus Makto

Oct 20, 2016 05:19am

But but but... Chabahar? no ?

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Oct 20, 2016 10:50am

One thing pakiatani people are missing. Chinise dont buy manufactured goods they just need raw material. Its like buying aluminum from pakistan in 1 ruppe and selling manufactured car in china to Pakistan in 1000 ruppe. I dont know when now pakistani goods cant compete with chinise . How come pakistan can compete when they can send them more cheaper by tons.

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D.K. PAMNANI

Oct 21, 2016 11:39am

Pakistan market will be full of CHINESE Products in each gali and Mohalla

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