Pakistan reiterates One-China policy, backs Beijing on Taiwan

Pakistan reiterated on Friday its support for China on issues related to the Taiwan Strait, reaffirming its firm adherence to the One-China policy.

Responding to media queries, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan and China share an “iron-clad friendship” and are all-weather strategic cooperative partners.

He said Pakistan has consistently supported China on matters concerning its core national interests, including the Taiwan issue.

Andrabi said Pakistan continues to recognize Taiwan as an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China and remains committed to the One-China principle.

He added that Pakistan’s position has been clear and consistent, aligned with international norms and its longstanding diplomatic stance.

The remarks come as international attention has intensified on developments in the Taiwan Strait, with Pakistan reaffirming diplomatic solidarity with Beijing and underscoring the strength of bilateral ties.

China has recently conducted its largest military drills by area and the closest yet to Taiwan.

The exercises forced Taiwan to cancel dozens of domestic commercial flights and prompted the island to dispatch military jets and warships to monitor the drills.

China’s military said for the first time that the maneuvers were aimed at deterring outside intervention. The drills began 11 days after the United States announced a record $11.1 billion arms package for Taiwan.

Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to assert control over the self-governed island.

In his New Year’s address late Wednesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping repeated last year’s warning to what Beijing describes as separatist forces.

Xi said China’s “reunification” with Taiwan cannot be stopped.

The United States has criticized China’s military activities near Taiwan and in the surrounding region.

“We urge Beijing to exercise restraint, cease its military pressure against Taiwan, and instead engage in meaningful dialogue,” U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement on Thursday.

The U.S. State Department said China’s military activities near Taiwan and elsewhere in the region “increase tensions unnecessarily” and urged China to halt military pressure against the island.

Pakistan and China maintain close political, economic and defense ties, and Islamabad has repeatedly expressed support for Beijing on issues it describes as China’s core interests.