Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the 21st century as an era of "accelerated development and revitalization" for South Asia during a joint press conference with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar in Islamabad on Thursday. Wang, a senior member of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted the region's untapped potential following his visits to India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
"South Asia has huge development potential and sufficient driving force for further growth," Wang stated, noting that despite differing national conditions, countries in the region share a common focus on development as their "top priority." He stressed that a peaceful, stable, and prosperous South Asia aligns with both local aspirations and China's strategic interests as the region's largest neighbor.
The Chinese foreign minister underscored the importance of multilateralism amid global challenges, asserting that South Asian nations are committed to resisting "unilateral and bullying practices" while advocating for equitable economic globalization. China pledged to remain a "trustworthy partner" in regional cooperation, with Wang clarifying that Beijing's relationships with Pakistan, India, and other neighbors "do not target any third party."
Wang also welcomed Pakistan's new role as a non-permanent UN Security Council member, stating both countries would collaborate to protect developing nations' interests. The remarks signal China's growing engagement in South Asia's economic and geopolitical landscape as regional states seek infrastructure development and multilateral alliances.
