Takeaways from President Zardari’s China trip
President Asif Ali Zardari’s five-day visit to China this week reaffirmed the enduring strength of Islamabad and Beijing’s "ironclad" relationship to detractors. He put it best himself at the start of talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, “Pakistan and China will always be friends, all-weather friends.”
In recent months, some observers have questioned the ‘resilience’ of Pakistan and China’s longstanding ties, particularly in light of economic pressures and security concerns. Pakistan’s fragile economic situation and increasing reliance on Chinese financial support have raised speculation about whether Beijing’s patience might eventually wear thin.
The resurgence of terrorism over the past year emerged as another challenge the relationship. A series of targeted attacks on Chinese nationals by militants seeking to exploit Pakistan’s political and financial turmoil have tested the resilience of bilateral ties. These incidents have elicited strong responses from Beijing, increasing pressure on Islamabad to enhance security measures for Chinese personnel working on critical infrastructure projects, particularly those under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Compounding these concerns is the perceived slowdown in CPEC’s progress. What was once hailed as the flagship initiative of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has faced delays, bureaucratic hurdles, and security threats. This stagnation has led to speculation that Beijing might be reassessing its level of commitment to CPEC, exploring alternative investments that promise greater stability and returns.
However, President Zardari’s visit to China was aimed at addressing these concerns, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to CPEC, and dispelling doubts about the strength of Islamabad and Beijing’s relationship. “No matter how many terrors, how many issues crop up in the world, I will stand, Pakistan people will stand, with the people of China,” Zardari added in his remarks at the opening, as he warned that many forces are trying to disturb the relationship between the two countries by launching attacks on “Chinese brothers.”
During his meetings with President Xi Jinping, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Zhao Leji, President Zardari emphasised the “high-quality development” of CPEC 2.0 and its crucial role in enhancing regional connectivity, fostering shared benefits, and promoting common prosperity. He extended an invitation to President Xi Jinping to visit Pakistan, highlighting the deep respect and admiration both the people and the government of Pakistan have for him.
According to a joint statement issued by both nations, Pakistan and China agreed to advance the implementation of the eight major steps for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation in Pakistan. This includes jointly developing a growth corridor, a livelihood-enhancing corridor, an innovation corridor, a green corridor, and an open corridor—all aligned with Pakistan’s 5Es framework for economic development.
President Xi and President Zardari also welcomed the official inauguration of the new Gwadar International Airport and reaffirmed their commitment to fully developing and operationalising the Gwadar Port. Both leaders recognised the port’s strategic importance and pledged to maximise its potential as a multimodal logistics hub. By strengthening Gwadar’s role in regional trade and industrial development, they aim to accelerate local economic growth and solidify the port’s position as a key driver of connectivity and commerce.
Strongly condemning the recent terrorist attacks targeting Chinese personnel in Pakistan, the Pakistani delegation led by President Zardari reaffirmed that ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions is its highest priority. China, in turn, commended Pakistan’s sacrifices in combating terrorism and expressed willingness to provide support for strengthening Pakistan’s counterterrorism capacity. This reaffirmation of mutual commitment underscores the depth of the strategic partnership and the shared goal of ensuring a secure environment for cooperation. Both nations reiterated their zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and pledged to strengthen bilateral and multilateral counterterrorism cooperation. They also affirmed that the China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership is not only a product of historical ties but also a deliberate choice supported by the people of both nations. This enduring partnership enjoys broad-based backing across various sectors, reinforcing its stability and long-term viability.
President Zardari’s visit also coincided with Pakistan's request to China to reschedule $3.4 billion in debt for two years, aiming to bridge a foreign funding gap identified by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar formally presented the request during his visit to Beijing, with government sources indicating that Chinese authorities responded positively. There is optimism that Beijing will approve the request, alleviating Pakistan’s external financial pressures. The joint China-Pakistan statement issued on Thursday emphasised Pakistan’s deep appreciation for China’s continued support in ensuring the country’s fiscal and financial stability.
According to the statement, Pakistan also highly commended and strongly supported the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI), and the Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI) proposed by President Xi Jinping. Both sides agreed to enhance international cooperation in these areas, emphasising their shared commitment to addressing global challenges and working towards the vision of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind. This alignment reflects the deepening strategic and diplomatic synergy between Pakistan and China on key global issues.
As President Zardari’s visit concludes, it reaffirms the deep-rooted and multifaceted Pakistan-China partnership, highlighting its resilience amid economic and security challenges. The visit set the tone for bilateral ties in the year ahead by addressing concerns over CPEC’s progress, reinforcing security commitments for Chinese personnel, and securing financial assurances. Both nations remain committed to strategic cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, and a shared vision for regional and global development. As Pakistan navigates economic recovery and security challenges, its enduring alliance with China continues to serve as a pillar of stability, promising mutual growth and prosperity in the years to come.