Issued a joint statement from the Seventh Strategic Dialogue, both parties reaffirm zero tolerance towards terrorism and promise development
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan and China on Monday sent a strong and coordinated message to the Afghan Taliban, calling for “visible and verifiable actions” to dismantle and eliminate all terrorist organizations operating from Afghan soil and ensure that Afghanistan is not used for terrorism against any other country.
The message was conveyed in a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the Seventh Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.
Both sides agreed to remain in close communication and coordination on the Afghan issue and work with the international community to encourage the Afghan government to build an inclusive political framework, adopt moderate policies, focus on development, pursue good neighborliness, and play a constructive role in the stable development and integration of Afghanistan into the international community.
According to the statement, Dar visited China from January 3 to 5 at the invitation of Wang Yi and the dialogue was held on January 4. The two sides had extensive exchanges on bilateral relations, regional and international issues and cooperation in the political, strategic, defense, security, economic and people-to-people fields.
Pakistan and China announced the launch of commemorative activities in 2026 to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, describing the occasion as an opportunity to further cement bilateral friendship and expand cooperation to new areas.
Reiterating that the two countries are always strategic cooperative partners enjoying “ironclad friendship”, both sides stressed that the continued growth of China-Pakistan relations is of strategic importance for regional peace, stability and development.
They agreed to implement the ‘Action Plan to Foster an Even Closer China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era (2025-2029)’ and keep this framework at the forefront of China’s neighborhood diplomacy.
Islamabad praised China’s development achievements under President Xi Jinping, congratulated Beijing on the successful completion of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, and praised China’s people-centered development philosophy.
In return, China congratulated Pakistan’s leadership for achieving macroeconomic stability and laying the foundation for growth under Pakistan’s National Economic Transformation Plan (URAAN Pakistan 2024-2029).
Both sides reaffirmed their unwavering support for each other’s fundamental interests. Pakistan reiterated its firm commitment to the One China principle, its support for China’s efforts towards national reunification and its opposition to any form of “Taiwan independence.”
Pakistan also reiterated its support for China on issues related to Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea. China, in turn, reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, development path and efforts to combat terrorism.
China praised Pakistan for the comprehensive measures taken to counter terrorism and protect Chinese personnel, projects and institutions, and recognized Pakistan’s contributions and sacrifices over the years.
Both sides reiterated zero tolerance towards terrorism, opposed double standards in the fight against terrorism, and agreed to deepen security cooperation to ensure the smooth and safe advancement of Belt and Road cooperation.
On the economic front, the two sides agreed to build an enhanced version 2.0 of CPEC, focusing on industry, agriculture and mining, accelerating the development of Gwadar port, ensuring smooth passage along the Karakoram Highway and enhancing Pakistan’s sustainable development capacity.
They also agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, IT, science and technology, cybersecurity, vocational training, education and cultural exchanges. The year-round opening of the Khunjerab Pass was described as an opportunity to further boost trade and people-to-people contacts, while third-party participation in the CPEC was welcomed in accordance with the agreed modalities.
Pakistan appreciated China’s support to its fiscal and financial sectors, while both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in financial and banking forums. Satisfaction was also expressed over the expansion of space cooperation, including the expected early entry of Pakistani astronauts to the Chinese Space Station.
On regional and global issues, the two countries reaffirmed support for the UN Charter, opposition to unilateral actions and the need to resolve disputes through dialogue. Pakistan briefed China on the developments in Jammu and Kashmir, while China reiterated that the dispute should be resolved peacefully in accordance with UN resolutions and bilateral agreements.
The two sides also called for an unconditional, comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, reaffirmed support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and a two-state solution, and expressed concern about the situation in the occupied West Bank.
Both countries pledged closer coordination within multilateral frameworks, including the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, reaffirmed their opposition to hegemonism and bloc politics, and agreed to continue strengthening their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.
Dar thanked Wang Yi for the hospitality extended during the visit and the two sides agreed that the next round of the Strategic Dialogue will be held in Islamabad next year at mutually convenient dates.
