China calls Pakistan a ‘reliable ally’ as top officials meet in Islamabad

China has described Pakistan as a “reliable ally”, with both sides vowing to deepen their strategic partnership across politics, trade, security, and regional stability.

The remarks came during a joint press conference in Islamabad on Thursday, addressed by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who arrived in the capital for the Pakistan-China strategic dialogue.

The latest round of talks followed closely on the heels of Wednesday’s Sixth Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue in Kabul, where Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan reaffirmed their commitment to intensify counterterrorism cooperation, expand regional economic integration, and extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan.

That meeting brought together Deputy Prime Minister Dar, Foreign Minister Wang, and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

In Islamabad today, Dar and Wang stressed consensus on strengthening cooperation under CPEC and on working jointly for peace and prosperity in the region.

Welcoming Wang to Pakistan, Dar described the discussions as “very constructive,” noting that they covered issues of mutual interest including CPEC Phase II, people-to-people exchanges, and enhanced bilateral trade.

“There is consensus on all important issues,” Dar said, adding that both sides remain committed to supporting each other at the UN Security Council and other international forums. He praised China’s commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, while reaffirming Islamabad’s determination to work with Beijing for regional stability and prosperity.

Dar also emphasized that the Pakistan-China friendship rests on “strong foundations,” noting that next year will mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Dar also highlighted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to China was discussed, while praising Wang Yi for playing a “vital role” in advancing bilateral relations. “China holds a central place in Pakistan’s foreign policy,” Dar stated, describing the two countries as “iron brothers.”

‘Pak-China strategic partnership to grow stronger’

Foreign Minister Wang, in his remarks, thanked Pakistan for its hospitality and reiterated that Beijing views Islamabad as a “reliable ally.”

He emphasized that the “strategic partnership between Pakistan and China continues to grow stronger,” with mutual trust and affection “deepening further.”

Wang noted that CPEC Phase II was discussed in detail, stressing Beijing’s commitment to taking the project to “high-quality cooperation”. He also pledged stronger collaboration in counterterrorism, industry, agriculture, and mining, while reaffirming China’s readiness to elevate ties with Pakistan to “new heights.”

He also expressed solidarity with Pakistan’s flood-affected people, saying that China will continue to stand by its partner in times of difficulty.