• President, PM reaffirm support for One China policy, vow to deepen bilateral ties
• Zardari calls relations with China cornerstone of foreign policy
• Premier says China stood by Pakistan ‘like a solid rock’
• Notes CPEC 2.0 to focus on agriculture, IT, AI, SEZs, minerals
• Photo exhibition showcases 75 years of friendship
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said the world could not move forward without China, stressing that Beijing’s industrial and technological advancement was second to none, as Pakistan and China marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Addressing a ceremony and photo exhibition in Islamabad, also attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, the prime minister said China had remained a steadfast and trusted friend of Pakistan and had supported Islamabad without political strings or conditions.
President Zardari and PM Shehbaz also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the One China policy and its unwavering commitment to the strategic partnership with China, describing the bilateral relationship as a time-tested friendship rooted in mutual trust, shared aspirations and steadfast support through every challenge.
Speaking on the occasion, President Zardari said friendship with China remained a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and had evolved into a model of interstate relations over the decades.
He congratulated the leadership and people of China, especially President Xi Jinping, on the completion of 75 years of diplomatic ties, saying the relationship between Islamabad and Beijing was built on mutual trust, unwavering support and shared development goals.
He said bilateral cooperation had expanded across trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, defence and people-to-people exchanges. He appreciated China’s consistent support for Pakistan on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm adherence to the One China policy.
President Zardari thanked the Chinese government for its support in Pakistan’s development projects, particularly Gwadar Port, and termed the CPEC a historic initiative that continued to play a transformative role in Pakistan’s socio-economic progress. Paying tribute to President Xi’s leadership, he said China had achieved unprecedented economic development and remarkable poverty alleviation under his vision.
On the occasion, President Zardari also unveiled a commemorative postage stamp marking the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations.
‘Unmatched support’
Speaking at the ceremony, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan was proud to be the first Muslim country to recognise the People’s Republic of China and among the earliest countries in the world to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing in 1951.
“Through mutual efforts, sincerity of purpose and shared commitment, we have built a relationship which is second to none and truly unique in the world,” the prime minister said.
He said China had always stood by Pakistan “like a solid rock” during difficult times, including earthquakes, floods and economic challenges, and that Beijing’s support for Islamabad was unmatched.
Recalling the devastating 2010 floods in Pakistan, the prime minister said China was among the first countries to provide assistance, sending helicopters, medicines, doctors and experts to help affected people.
The premier reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the One China policy, saying Pakistan had supported the principle “without any second thought” and would continue to do so “without fear or favour”.
He termed CPEC, launched under President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative, a shining example of China’s commitment to Pakistan’s economic development, employment generation and prosperity.
Referring to recent efforts to hold peace talks between the United States and Iran, the prime minister said that China had “fully supported” Pakistan’s peace initiative.
“There has been a history of supporting each other without political strings or conditions. China has been a steadfast and trusted friend of Pakistan,” he said, adding that the journey would continue. He said that in the industrial and technological sectors, China was second to none, emphasising that the “world cannot move forward without China”.
Referring to future cooperation under CPEC 2.0, the prime minister said agriculture, information technology, artificial intelligence, special economic zones, and mines and minerals would remain key areas of collaboration.
PM Shehbaz also appreciated China’s support in training Pakistani agricultural graduates in Chinese universities, saying the initiative was contributing to agricultural research and development in Pakistan.
On security cooperation, he assured the Chinese leadership that Pakistan would provide the highest level of protection to Chinese nationals working in the country.
“The security meant for the prime minister and president should be available for every Chinese citizen in Pakistan,” he said, adding that Pakistan remained committed to enhancing counterterrorism cooperation with China. The prime minister expressed the hope that President Xi would visit Pakistan during the year-long celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Addressing the ceremony, Cai Dafeng said China and Pakistan had always stood firmly by each other and noted that Pakistan was the first Muslim country to establish diplomatic relations with China on May 21, 1951. He reaffirmed China’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity, and pledged enhanced cooperation in education, agriculture, mining, industry, information technology, climate change, media and other sectors.
Mr Cai also reiterated China’s support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and stressed the importance of continued coordination at multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
A special photo exhibition held alongside the ceremony showcased memorable moments of Pakistan-China friendship, solidarity and shared achievements over the past seven decades.
The event began with the national anthems of both countries and concluded with President Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz, Chinese dignitaries and Ambassador Jiang jointly cutting a commemorative cake. Pakistani and Chinese children also presented colourful performances celebrating the friendship between the two countries.
Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2026