Pakistan vows to protect Chinese nationals, deepen strategic ties

Pakistan has strongly condemned terrorist attacks on Chinese nationals and pledged to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and projects.

The statement comes amid rising security concerns for Chinese nationals in Pakistan, following a series of deadly attacks on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor-linked personnel.

Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has seen a surge in militant violence, including the March 2024 attack that killed five Chinese engineers and a November assault near Karachi airport.

Chinese officials have repeatedly urged Islamabad to ensure the security of its workers and projects, warning that instability could jeopardize investments.

The commitment was reaffirmed during a high-level meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Chinese Premier Li Qiang at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, according to a joint statement released on Thursday by Pakistan’s Foreign Office.

President Zardari, who is on a state visit to China from February 4 to 8 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, met with key Chinese leaders to strengthen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. His visit includes participation in the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games.

The Foreign Office said that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic trust, high-level security cooperation, and economic collaboration. China reiterated Pakistan’s special place in its foreign policy, while Pakistan emphasized its resolve to strengthen bilateral ties.

Security and counterterrorism cooperation

Pakistan strongly condemned terrorist attacks targeting Chinese nationals and reaffirmed its responsibility to protect Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari shake hands at a signing ceremony in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, 05 February 2025. Reuters

China acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in counterterrorism and pledged continued support to enhance Pakistan’s capacity to combat extremism.

Economic and infrastructure development

The two sides agreed to upgrade CPEC under Pakistan’s "5Es" framework.

Key projects include the phased upgradation of the ML-1 railway, realignment of the Karakoram Highway (Raikot-Thakot), and further development of Gwadar Port and New Gwadar International Airport as regional trade hubs.

China reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s industrialization efforts, encouraging investments in Special Economic Zones and third-party participation in CPEC.

Both sides welcomed deeper cooperation in renewable energy, mining, and offshore oil exploration.

Trade and financial collaboration

China and Pakistan agreed to enhance trade liberalization under phase-II of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, with China welcoming Pakistani enterprises to expand exports.

China reiterated its financial support for Pakistan’s fiscal stability and encouraged collaboration in banking and investment sectors.

Technology, education, and social cooperation

China pledged increased investment in Pakistan’s IT sector, including artificial intelligence, big data, and communications. Both countries agreed to expand cooperation in education, healthcare, climate response, and disaster relief.

China will support vocational training programs for Pakistani youth, facilitate technical and space research collaborations, and increase scholarships for Pakistani students.

Defense and regional stability

Both sides underscored that China-Pakistan military ties are essential for regional peace. They committed to continued high-level military exchanges, joint training, and defense cooperation.

On South Asia, China reiterated its position that the Kashmir dispute should be resolved per the UN Charter and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

Both countries also called for a peaceful resolution of conflicts in the Middle East and Afghanistan, urging the Afghan Interim government to eliminate terrorism threats.

During the visit, Pakistan and China signed multiple memorandums of understanding covering CPEC expansion, trade, science and technology, public welfare, and media cooperation.

President Zardari invited President Xi to visit Pakistan, and both sides agreed to coordinate a visit through diplomatic channels.