January 16, 2026
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Published by Aeyan Raza
January 5, 2026
China and Pakistan on Monday renewed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, calling their relationship “ironclad” as both countries navigate shifting regional and global dynamics.
The pledge came during high-level talks in Beijing, where leaders from both sides agreed to expand cooperation across key sectors, including industry, agriculture, mining, and finance. The meeting also underscored the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which both nations said would now move into an upgraded phase.
Pakistan has long been one of China’s closest diplomatic partners, backing Beijing on sensitive international issues such as Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea. In return, China has invested billions of dollars in Pakistan through CPEC, a flagship project under its Belt and Road Initiative.
Despite strong ties, the partnership has faced challenges in recent years. Attacks targeting Chinese nationals working on development projects in Pakistan have raised security concerns. Addressing this, China praised Pakistan’s “comprehensive measures” to protect Chinese personnel and ongoing projects.
Both countries also called for concrete and verifiable action against militant groups operating in Afghanistan, which borders both Pakistan and China. While no specific details were shared, the statement highlighted a shared concern over regional stability.
The renewed China-Pakistan commitment comes as Islamabad’s relations with Washington show signs of warming since US President Donald Trump’s return to office. Pakistan recently cooperated with the United States on counter-terrorism efforts, including the arrest of a suspect linked to the 2021 Kabul airport attack.
Washington has also released funds for monitoring Pakistan’s use of US-supplied F-16 fighter jets, signaling renewed engagement despite broader global aid restrictions.
Analysts say improving US-Pakistan ties add a new layer of complexity to China’s regional diplomacy, especially in South Asia.
During the visit, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi unveiled the official logo marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The launch formally kicked off a year-long series of celebrations, including cultural events, trade exhibitions, and high-level exchanges.
Both leaders described the relationship as a model of state-to-state cooperation and reaffirmed their resolve to deepen strategic trust in the years ahead.
The anniversary, they said, is not only a moment to reflect on the past but also to chart a stronger, more resilient future partnership.
