The talks in Beijing reaffirm mutual support and expand cooperation in security, counterterrorism and finance.
An insight into the Seventh Round of Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue in Beijing. PHOTO: PID
Pakistan and China agreed to align their development strategies and build an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, known as CPEC 2.0, during wide-ranging talks in Beijing that also covered political ties, security cooperation and regional and international issues.
The Seventh Round of Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue was co-chaired in Beijing on January 4 by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who visited China from January 3 to 5 at Wang’s invitation, according to a joint press release issued at the conclusion of the talks on Monday.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar left for Beijing to co-chair, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the seventh Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue on January 4, 2026.
The DPM/FM is the first foreign dignitary to visit China in… pic.twitter.com/kpqYha6tol
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 3, 2026
During the dialogue, the two sides exchanged views on strategic and political cooperation, defense and security, economy, trade, investment, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed international and regional issues of shared interest and agreed to enhance strategic communication, deepen strategic mutual trust, safeguard common interests and promote economic and social development in both countries, as well as peace and prosperity in the region and beyond.
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As part of their economic engagement, Pakistan and China agreed to develop an enhanced CPEC, a pioneering project of the Belt and Road Initiative. The two sides said the new phase would focus on the key sectors of industry, agriculture and mining, promote the construction and operation of Gwadar port, ensure smooth passage of the Karakoram Highway and enhance Pakistan’s capacity for sustainable development.
They also agreed to deepen cooperation in trade and investment, information technology, science and technology, cybersecurity, technical and vocational training and education, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. The two sides stated that the year-round opening of the Khunjerab Pass would facilitate two-way trade and further strengthen people-to-people contacts. They also welcomed the participation of third parties in CPEC cooperation in accordance with the modalities agreed upon by both countries.
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The dialogue took place as Pakistan and China announced plans to launch commemorative activities in 2026, marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Both sides reiterated that they are strategic cooperative partners at all times and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening high-level exchanges and implementing the Action Plan to foster an even closer Pakistan-China community with a shared future in the new era (2025-2029).
The two sides also reaffirmed mutual support on issues related to their respective core interests and expressed their willingness to further strengthen cooperation in areas including counter-terrorism, finance and banking, space cooperation and multilateral forums.
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The next round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue will be held in Islamabad next year at mutually convenient dates, the statement said.
