‘China at 75’ conference celebrates progress, explores future of Pakistan-China partnership

The Pakistan-China Institute, chaired by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, convened an international conference on Monday titled "China at 75: A Journey of Progress, Transformation and Global Leadership." This event celebrated 75 years since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China and explored its impact on global geopolitics and economic development.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar served as the chief guest at the event, which brought together prominent figures including China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, noted economist Dr. Ishrat Hussain, and Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs.

Their collective insights aimed to shed light on China's transformative journey over the decades and its pivotal role in shaping international relations.

Senator Mushahid Hussain opened the conference by emphasising China’s peaceful rise as a significant narrative in the global arena.

He articulated the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, outlining the evolution of China’s journey in three distinct phases: Revolution, Reform, and Peaceful Rise. He pointed out that Pakistan stands firmly aligned with China as it navigates through the complexities of the Asian Century.

Ambassador Jiang Zaidong expressed gratitude for the participation of senior Pakistani leaders and highlighted the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a hallmark of China’s commitment to fostering shared prosperity. He voiced concerns regarding the security of Chinese projects in Pakistan, particularly in light of recent attacks on Chinese nationals and investments, and called for stronger measures to ensure the safety of these ventures.

In his keynote address, DPM Ishaq Dar celebrated China's rapid transformation, particularly its strides in climate action, digital innovation, and economic development. He reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for the One-China policy, highlighting its significance in maintaining regional stability.

Dar further underscored the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), dismissing perceptions of it as a debt trap and reinforcing its role as a catalyst for socio-economic growth in Pakistan.

Dr. Ishrat Hussain provided an in-depth analysis of China's transition from a command-driven economy to a market-oriented system, illustrating how this shift has propelled China into the global economic spotlight.

He noted that China's single-party governance model has facilitated swift decision-making and policy implementation, allowing it to tackle challenges effectively and achieve remarkable economic growth rates.

The conference also featured contributions from other notable speakers, including Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, who reiterated the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and China.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasised the significance of South-South cooperation in addressing common challenges and fostering mutual development.

Throughout the event, speakers acknowledged China’s leadership role in fostering economic partnerships, global stability, and addressing pressing issues such as climate change and poverty alleviation. They discussed how initiatives like the BRI have transformed infrastructure and connectivity, benefiting many developing nations, including Pakistan.

As the conference concluded, attendees expressed optimism about the future of Pakistan-China relations, advocating for deeper collaboration across various sectors, including trade, technology, and education. The event highlighted the shared vision of both nations to strengthen ties and work towards a prosperous future.