- Pakistan and China hold the seventh strategic dialogue in Beijing.
- Both sides coordinate the mechanisms of Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
- Countries advance CPEC 2.0, trade and cooperation for regional peace.
Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their zero-tolerance stance against terrorism, pledging to deepen anti-terrorism and security cooperation and work together to ensure the safe and smooth advancement of China-Pakistan Belt and Road cooperation, according to a joint statement issued by the two countries.
The commitment was reiterated during an official visit by Vice Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to China from January 3 to 5, 2026, at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.
On January 4, the two leaders co-chaired the seventh round of Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue in Beijing.
According to the joint statement, during the dialogue, the two sides had a broad exchange of views on bilateral relations and cooperation in a wide range of areas, including strategic and political coordination, defense and security, economy, trade, investment, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. International and regional issues of mutual interest were also discussed.
Joint call to action against Afghan terrorists
The two sides also called for more visible and verifiable actions to dismantle and eliminate all Afghanistan-based terrorist organizations that continue to pose serious threats to regional and global security. They stressed the need to prevent Afghan territory from being used for terrorism against any other country or to endanger the security of others.
The two sides also exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan and called for continued coordination and engagement with the international community to support peace and stability.
They agreed to encourage the Afghan authorities to build an inclusive political framework, pursue moderate policies, focus on economic development and good-neighborly relations, and play a constructive role in Afghanistan’s integration into the international community.
Both sides expressed their willingness to continue taking advantage of the Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue of Pakistan, China and Afghanistan and the Pakistan-China-Bangladesh cooperation mechanism to achieve tangible results.
Taiwan inalienable part of China: Pakistan
On issues of key concern, Pakistan reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China principle and reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. Pakistan expressed its opposition to any form of “Taiwan independence” or attempts to create “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan”, and reiterated its support for China on issues related to Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea.
China, in turn, reiterated its support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and supported Pakistan’s efforts to pursue development in accordance with its national conditions and play a greater role in regional and international affairs.
The two sides agreed to enhance strategic communication, deepen mutual trust and jointly safeguard their shared interests, with a view to promoting economic and social development in both countries and promoting peace, development and prosperity in the region and beyond.
An ironclad alliance is reaffirmed
They reiterated that Pakistan and China are always strategic cooperative partners bound by ironclad friendship, noting that the constant development of bilateral relations is of strategic importance for regional stability.
Both sides announced that commemorative activities for the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations will be held in 2026, with the aim of consolidating bilateral friendship and expanding cooperation to new areas to ensure that the partnership continues across generations. They reaffirmed that high-level exchanges remain a defining feature of bilateral relations.
On economic cooperation, the two sides agreed to further align development strategies and advance an enhanced version 2.0 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, focusing on industry, agriculture and mining.
They agreed to promote the development and operation of Gwadar Port, ensure smooth connectivity along the Karakoram Highway, deepen cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, information technology, cybersecurity, vocational training and cultural exchanges, and welcomed the participation of third parties in accordance with the agreed modalities.
Cooperation in the financial and banking sectors was also highlighted, including mutual support in multilateral financial forums.
At the regional level, the two sides emphasized the importance of peace and stability in South Asia, adherence to the United Nations Charter and international law, and resolving disputes through dialogue. Pakistan briefed China on the situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, while China reiterated that the issue should be resolved peacefully in accordance with relevant UN resolutions and bilateral agreements.
The two sides also expressed support for a permanent and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, reaffirmed their support for the two-state solution and pledged to work with the international community to promote peace in the Middle East. They noted expanded cooperation in space, including the expected participation of Pakistani astronauts on the Chinese Space Station.
The DPM thanked the Chinese Foreign Minister for the hospitality extended and both sides agreed to hold the next round of the Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad next year.
