President Asif Ali Zardari reassured China on Wednesday that militant attacks would not disrupt Pakistan’s long-standing ties with its all-weather friend, as the two countries moved forward on the next phase of the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Zardari made the remarks during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, where both leaders discussed security concerns and economic cooperation.
The meeting came amidst rising concerns in Beijing over the safety of Chinese workers involved in CPEC infrastructure projects in Pakistan, some of whom have been targeted in recent attacks.
Despite acknowledging that Pakistan’s relationship with China has "gone through ups and downs," Zardari expressed unwavering support for the bilateral partnership.
“Pakistan and China will always be friends, all-weather friends,” he said. “No matter how many terrors, how many issues crop up in the world, I will stand, and the Pakistani people will stand with the people of China.”
The leaders also discussed the next phase of CPEC, known as CPEC 2.0, which aims to expand beyond transport infrastructure and energy projects to include industrialisation, agricultural modernisation, and regional partnerships. This new phase is part of China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Originally launched in 2013, the first phase of CPEC focused primarily on transport and energy infrastructure, including the development of the Gwadar Port. The second phase will see more emphasis on economic growth, with particular focus on enhancing connectivity and cooperation between third countries.
Both leaders highlighted the importance of people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties as fundamental to strengthening the China-Pakistan community of shared future.
Xi also acknowledged the enduring strength of the relationship, stating, “China and Pakistan have set a model for relations between two countries by advancing the construction of CPEC and cooperation in various fields.”
During the meeting, the two leaders also celebrated the recent opening of a Chinese-funded $230 million airport in Gwadar, the largest in Pakistan.
This project, part of the broader CPEC vision, was delayed due to a rise in attacks in Balochistan, where separatist groups have targeted several international projects, including Chinese ones.
The airport, along with the Gwadar shipping port, is part of the broader economic corridor aimed at connecting Pakistan to China’s western region of Xinjiang, facilitating trade routes to the Arabian Sea.
Xi expressed his willingness to continue cooperation with Pakistan on their paths of modernisation, reinforcing China’s commitment to the development of CPEC.
Zardari also extended a formal invitation to Xi to visit Pakistan, underscoring the strong public admiration for the Chinese leader in his country.
Following the meeting, both presidents witnessed the signing of several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening collaboration in areas such as science and technology, clean energy, socio-economic development, and media.
The event concluded with a state banquet hosted by President Xi in honour of the Pakistani delegation.
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