Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to deepening its all-weather strategic partnership with Pakistan during high-level talks in Islamabad on Thursday. The Sixth Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue yielded broad consensus, with both nations pledging to upgrade cooperation under newly outlined principles.
Four Pillars of Partnership
Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, outlined the 'four always' framework guiding future collaboration: maintaining mutual trust, prioritizing development cooperation, ensuring regional security, and coordinating global challenges. The approach comes as both countries seek to revitalize the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project.
Economic Corridor 2.0
Officials announced plans to develop 'CPEC Version 2.0,' focusing on industrial, agricultural, and mining sectors. 'This upgrade aims to enhance Pakistan's economic resilience through technology transfer and capacity-building,' Wang stated, emphasizing China's commitment to improving local livelihoods. Beijing also pledged immediate humanitarian assistance following Pakistan's recent flood disasters.
Security & Regional Stability
The dialogue addressed counterterrorism cooperation, with China expressing support for Pakistan's security efforts. Both sides agreed to strengthen protections for Chinese projects and personnel in Pakistan while enhancing coordination on regional counterterrorism strategies.
Global South Collaboration
Wang highlighted plans to leverage China's Global Development, Security, and Civilization Initiatives to strengthen Global South cooperation. The partners committed to opposing 'unilateral bullying' while promoting Asian values of openness and multilateralism.
