Zardari in Beijing: CPEC, Counterterrorism, and a Renewed Strategic Alliance with China

During President Asif Ali Zardari’s state visit to China from February 4 to 8, 2025, both nations reaffirmed their “iron-clad” friendship and strategic partnership, culminating in a comprehensive joint statement that outlines their collaborative endeavors across various sectors.

High-Level Engagements

President Zardari met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and National People’s Congress Chairman Zhao Leji. Discussions were held in a “warm and friendly atmosphere,” focusing on deepening bilateral relations and addressing international and regional issues of mutual interest.

Economic Cooperation and Infrastructure Development

A significant focus of the discussions was the enhancement of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Both sides agreed to “jointly build a growth corridor, a livelihood-enhancing corridor, an innovation corridor, a green corridor and an open corridor, to create an upgraded version of CPEC, in line with Pakistan’s 5Es framework.”

Key infrastructure projects were highlighted, including the upgradation of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway and the realignment of the Karakoram Highway (Raikot-Thakot). The joint statement emphasized the importance of these projects for land connectivity between China and Pakistan and the commitment to reach an early consensus on their implementation and financing.

The inauguration of the new Gwadar International Airport was also welcomed, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to promoting the comprehensive development and operation of the Gwadar Port to further leverage its role as a multimodal logistics hub.

Security and Counterterrorism

In light of recent security concerns, Pakistan “reiterated its strongest condemnation of the terrorist attacks in Pakistan involving Chinese personnel” and reaffirmed that ensuring the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan is the foremost responsibility of the Pakistani government. Both nations expressed a zero-tolerance attitude towards terrorism and agreed to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation on counterterrorism.

Defense and Strategic Cooperation

The joint statement underscored that “strategic defence and security cooperation between China and Pakistan plays an irreplaceable and critical role in maintaining peace, stability and strategic balance in the region.” Both sides expressed satisfaction with the high level of mutual trust and cooperation between their militaries and agreed to maintain the momentum of high-level military-to-military visits and exchanges.

Trade and Technological Collaboration

On the economic front, both countries agreed to conduct further consultations on trade liberalization under the framework of the Phase-II of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement. The Chinese side welcomed Pakistani enterprises to expand exports to China through platforms such as the China International Import Expo and the China-South Asia Expo.

In the realm of technology, the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation on information technology and promote policy and talent exchanges in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, big data, and communication technology. The Chinese side expressed readiness to encourage its technology companies to actively expand their businesses in Pakistan to accelerate science and technology cooperation in the high-quality development of CPEC’s second phase and develop an innovation corridor.

Global and Regional Issues

Highlighting the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and to true multilateralism, advocating for dialogue over confrontation and partnerships over alliances. 

They expressed satisfaction with their close cooperation at the U.N. and other multilateral fora and resolved to deepen coordination on multilateral issues to uphold the common interests of developing countries and international equity and justice.

The joint statement also addressed broader geopolitical concerns. 

Regarding Afghanistan, both sides agreed to maintain close communication and coordination to play a constructive role in helping Afghanistan achieve stable development and integrate into the international community. They reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with a zero-tolerance attitude and called on the Interim Afghan Government to take visible and verifiable actions to dismantle and eliminate all terrorist groups based in Afghanistan.

On the Middle East, the two sides welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and expressed hope that it will lead to a full and permanent ceasefire. They reaffirmed their support for the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including their right to establish an independent State of Palestine, and pledged to work with the international community to make unremitting efforts for peace and stability in the region.

Cultural and Educational Exchanges

Both countries emphasized the importance of people-to-people ties and agreed to expand cooperation in areas such as education, media, think tanks, youth, films, and television to strengthen the bond between the two peoples and enhance mutual learning between civilizations. The Chinese side expressed readiness to actively support Pakistani students in learning the Chinese language and to explore avenues for promoting technical and vocational training.

Also See: Pakistan and China Reaffirm Bilateral Relations, Dar Rejects Allegations in Diplomatic Talks

Agreements Signed

During the visit, over a dozen agreements were signed, covering cooperation in areas such as CPEC, trade, science and technology, people’s livelihoods, and media. These agreements aim to strengthen the multifaceted partnership between the two nations.

President Zardari expressed appreciation to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government and people for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He invited President Xi Jinping to visit Pakistan at a mutually convenient time, and both sides agreed to maintain communication on the matter through diplomatic channels.

This visit underscores the enduring strength of the Pakistan-China partnership and sets the stage for greater cooperation in the years ahead.