On October 16, 2024, Xinhua News Agency reported on a joint statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan following a formal visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Pakistan from October 14 to 17. During this visit, at the invitation of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Premier Li participated in the 23rd meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s Council of Heads of Government hosted by Pakistan.
In an interview, Premier Li discussed his talks with Prime Minister Sharif, during which they exchanged in-depth opinions on strengthening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan, enhancing pragmatic cooperation across various fields, and addressing mutual concerns. They reached a broad consensus on these matters.
Both leaders emphasized that the relationship between China and Pakistan has withstood various challenges since the establishment of diplomatic ties and remains strong. Since President Xi Jinping’s historic state visit to Pakistan in 2015, the strategic partnership has developed significantly. Following Prime Minister Shehbaz’s successful visit to China in June 2024, political mutual trust has solidified, cooperation momentum has increased, and strategic collaboration has deepened. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the current trajectory of bilateral relations and agreed to further deepen their friendship and cooperation.
Pakistan commended President Xi’s proposal to build a community with a shared future, as well as the initiatives of the Belt and Road, global development, security, and civilization. Both countries committed to promoting a multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization, working together towards a peaceful, secure, prosperous, and progressive future.
Amid global turbulence and rapid changes, the leaders acknowledged the strategic value of Sino-Pakistani relations and asserted that any attempts to disrupt cooperation will not succeed. They confirmed their commitment to maintaining a multi-layered, broad-based, and high-quality partnership, with China underscoring its prioritization of Sino-Pak relations within its foreign policy, and Pakistan reinforcing that its relationship with China is foundational to its own diplomatic stance. Both sides will continuously deepen collaboration and accelerate the establishment of a more closely-knit Sino-Pakistani community in the new era.
In terms of consolidating high-level political trust, the leaders expressed the need for ongoing engagement between their nations, pledging to enhance exchange and cooperation across government, legislative bodies, and political parties. Pakistan expressed its warm congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and hailed the successful convening of the 20th Central Committee’s Third Plenary Session of the Communist Party of China. The leaders acknowledged that China’s deepened reforms and higher-level openness will provide new opportunities for development, including for Pakistan.
Both countries reiterated their unwavering support for each other’s core interests and major concerns, including the authoritative nature of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the One China principle, supporting China’s territorial integrity and opposing any form of “Taiwan independence.” China, in turn, emphasized its steadfast backing for Pakistan’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
On economic cooperation, both sides pledged to jointly build growth corridors and upgrade initiatives related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to set a quality example for the Belt and Road Initiative. They agreed to align the Eight Action Plan for the Belt and Road with Pakistan’s “5Es” development framework, covering exports, digital initiatives, environment, energy, and equitable empowerment.
They also committed to upgrading the Pakistan Railway Main Line project and enhancing the security of Chinese personnel in Pakistan while emphasizing the need for practical cooperation in diverse sectors, including energy, agriculture, cultural exchange, and financial stability. Furthermore, they agreed to facilitate deeper exchanges in youth, education, culture, and tourism.
In addressing regional security concerns, both parties reaffirmed their “zero tolerance” stance against terrorism and committed to intensified bilateral and multilateral counter-terrorism cooperation. Pakistan reiterated its dedication to enhancing domestic security measures to protect Chinese investments and personnel.
Lastly, in discussing international cooperation, both nations emphasized the importance of upholding the United Nations-centered international order and the need for peaceful resolutions to regional disputes, including the Kashmir issue. They expressed serious concerns regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing violence in the region, urging for an immediate and permanent ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid.
Premier Li expressed his gratitude for the warm reception he received from the Pakistani government and people during his visit, highlighting the signing of 13 cooperation agreements covering various sectors, including the development of the CPEC, financial support, and social welfare initiatives.
