• Pledge to work together on counterterrorism, IT, defence, agriculture
• Say attempts to disrupt relationship bound to fail
• Zardari to attend opening ceremony of Asian Winter Games

BEIJING: Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across multiple sectors, including counterterrorism, defence, agriculture and information technology, underscoring that any attempt to disrupt bilateral ties is bound to fail.

The agreement came during President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to China, where he will also attend the opening ceremony of the Asian Winter Games.

He has held meetings with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. A joint statement issued by the Foreign Office on Thursday outlined the discussions and agreements reached during the visit.

“While the transformation not seen in a century is accelerating, the China-Pakistan relationship remains of strategic significance, and any attempt to disrupt or undermine it is bound to fail,” it read, reaffirming the long-standing All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the two nations.

Pakistan and China signed over a dozen agreements covering cooperation in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), trade, science and technology, and media. The two sides agreed to enhance collaboration in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, big data and communications.

Both countries committed to expanding cooperation in education, think tanks, films, television and youth exchanges to foster closer ties. They also pledged to hold further consultations on trade liberalisation under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and explore concessional arrangements based on mutual benefit.

The statement also reaffirmed the goal of upgrading CPEC, incorporating a growth corridor, innovation corridor, green corridor and open corridor in line with Pakistan’s 5Es framework.

Pakistan and China reiterated their commitment to advancing the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project in a phased and secure manner and agreed on the early implementation of the Karakoram Highway realignment project, which is considered crucial for connectivity.

Counterterror cooperation

Both sides reaffirmed their determination to combat terrorism, with Pakistan pledging to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions. Islamabad reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on terrorism, vowing to bring perpetrators of attacks on Chinese nationals to justice.

China acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in counterterrorism efforts and expressed its willingness to provide support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism capacity building.

Pakistan expressed strong appreciation for China’s support in stabilising its economy and reaffirmed its commitment to creating a favourable environment for Chinese investment. Both nations agreed to strengthen cooperation in banking and financial sectors within regional and multilateral platforms.

China also welcomed Pakistan’s National Economic Transformation Plan (Uraan), commending its efforts towards economic reform and development.

Geopolitical coordination

The two nations reiterated their shared stance on key geopolitical issues. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China principle, recognising Taiwan as an inalienable part of China. It also reiterated its support for China’s policies in Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea.

On Jammu and Kashmir, China reaffirmed its position that the dispute should be resolved peacefully in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.

Regarding Afghanistan, both sides urged the interim Afghan government to take “visible and verifiable” action against terrorist groups operating from its soil. They also called for increased international efforts to stabilise Afghanistan and integrate it into the global economy.

Pakistan and China welcomed ceasefire in Gaza and reaffirmed their support for Palestinian self-determination and statehood.

Zardari-Li meeting

In a separate bilateral meeting, President Zardari and Premier Li Qiang discussed expanding trade, economic cooperation and private-sector linkages.

The two leaders highlighted the role of CPEC in regional connectivity and economic growth and emphasised high-quality development in renewable energy, science and technology, infrastructure and agriculture.

Both sides also underlined the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation.

Published in Dawn, February 7th, 2025