Pakistan, China unveil CPEC 2.0 plan at high-level Beijing talks

Pakistan and China on Monday reaffirmed their “ironclad” friendship and agreed to deepen strategic, economic, and security cooperation during the Seventh Round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, held in Beijing.

The dialogue was co-chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who visited China from January 3 to 5 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart.

According to a joint press communiqué, the two sides reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including political and strategic cooperation, defense and security collaboration, trade and investment, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Regional and international issues of mutual interest also featured prominently in the talks.

Both sides agreed to enhance strategic communication, deepen mutual trust, and jointly safeguard shared interests, while promoting economic and social development in their respective countries and contributing to regional and global peace and prosperity.

CPEC upgrade and economic cooperation

A central outcome of the dialogue was agreement to work toward an upgraded version 2.0 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, aligning development strategies with a renewed focus on industry, agriculture, and mining.

The two sides emphasized the importance of Gwadar Port, connectivity through the Karakoram Highway, and the year-round opening of the Khunjerab Pass. They also welcomed third-party participation in CPEC in line with agreed modalities.

China and Pakistan further agreed to strengthen cooperation in finance and banking, with Beijing expressing continued support for Pakistan’s fiscal and financial stability, including at multilateral forums.

Strategic partnership and security

Reiterating that Pakistan and China are All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners, the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Action Plan to Foster an Even Closer China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era for 2025–2029.

China commended Pakistan’s comprehensive measures to combat terrorism and ensure the security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions. Both sides agreed to deepen counter-terrorism and security cooperation and voiced opposition to double standards in global counter-terrorism efforts.

Pakistan reiterated its firm commitment to the one-China principle and expressed support for China on issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea. China reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, economic development, and counter-terrorism efforts.

Regional and global coordination

On regional and international issues, the two sides underscored the importance of upholding the United Nations Charter, international law, and the post-World War II international order.

China reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute should be resolved peacefully in accordance with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.

Pakistan and China jointly called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, reaffirmed support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, and endorsed the two-state solution.

The two countries also agreed to maintain close coordination on Afghanistan and urged concrete and verifiable action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.

Space, culture, and future ties

The communiqué highlighted expanded cooperation in science and technology, as well as education and cultural exchanges. Both sides also agreed to further develop space cooperation, including the expected early participation of Pakistani astronauts in China’s space station.

Marking a major milestone, Pakistan and China announced the launch of year-long commemorative activities in 2026 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, aimed at consolidating bilateral ties and exploring new avenues of cooperation.

China praised Pakistan’s recent macroeconomic stabilization efforts and its National Economic Transformation Plan, URAAN Pakistan (2024–2029). Pakistan, in turn, commended China’s development achievements under President Xi Jinping and congratulated Beijing on the completion of its 14th Five-Year Plan and the formulation of the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan.

At the conclusion of the visit, Dar thanked Wang for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation. Both sides agreed that the next round of the Strategic Dialogue will be held in Islamabad next year on mutually convenient dates.