ISLAMABAD: Pakistani and Chinese think-tanks have underscored the need for strengthened collaboration between their countries to address complex global and regional security challenges.

The call to action was made during a roundtable discussion, “Security situation in the region and Pakistan-China relations,” hosted by the Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS) and attended by a visiting delegation from the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS).

Experts from both sides emphasised the importance of leveraging economic, technological, and geopolitical opportunities to promote stability and mutual growth in a rapidly changing world.

The dialogue highlighted the enduring strategic significance of Pakistan-China relations amid an evolving global and regional landscape marked by great power competition and shifting alliances. It also explored potential avenues for economic and technological collaboration between the two countries while addressing challenges confronting this partnership.

Dr Yao Jinxiang, Assistant Research Fellow at CIIS, noted that the anticipated economic policies of US President-elect Donald Trump, particularly the imposition of higher tariffs on Chinese companies, would have far-reaching implications for Chinese businesses in the Middle East, Latin America, and South and Southeast Asia.

Dr Yao also highlighted the critical role of BRICS in supporting China amid great power competition, and said Pakistan’s inclusion in the bloc would be mutually beneficial.

Dr Wang Youming, Senior Research Fellow at CIIS, said that the current global order is increasingly characterised by disorder due to ongoing conflicts and the inability of existing international institutions to address the concerns of all states equitably. He said President Xi Jinping is prioritising multilateral organisations such as BRICS and initiatives aligned with the Global South.

Dr Wang commended Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism, particularly in safeguarding Chinese nationals, as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) progresses into its second phase.

Dr Li Qingyan, Associate Research Fellow at CIIS, noted that South Asia had emerged as the epicentre of global geopolitical and geo-economic developments. She highlighted India’s pro-Western policy orientation and deepening ties with the United States as significant factors affecting regional stability.

Amb Ali Sarwar Naqvi, Executive Director CISS, praised China’s emergence as a global power committed to cooperation rather than confrontation. He highlighted China’s peaceful approach to global engagement through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and the Global Security Initiative (GSI).

Published in Dawn, December 17th, 2024