China's role in promoting global peace draws praise

Pakistan's close coordination and communication with China during its efforts to ease tensions between Iran and the United States demonstrate the unique strategic partnership between the two countries and highlight Beijing's growing role in promoting peace, said Mushahid Hussain Syed, chairman of the Pakistan-China Institute.

Syed, former chairman of the Defense Committee of the Pakistani Senate, told China Daily that Pakistan and China are on the same page and both of them want the conflict to end as soon as possible.

Syed noted that Chinese and Pakistani officials remained in close consultation throughout the conflict between Iran and the US.

As both countries currently serve on the United Nations Security Council, he said continued coordination will remain important as diplomatic efforts move forward.

"China is unique among the major powers because it consistently upholds the UN Charter and international law," he said.

He also cited China's mediation that restored diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia in 2023, Beijing's efforts to facilitate dialogue among Palestinian factions in 2024, and China's role in helping ease tensions between Pakistan and India in May last year.

In addition to cooperation on regional security issues, Syed said relations between the two countries are entering a new phase as China and Pakistan celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year.

Calling the relationship "unique in the annals of international relations", he said few neighboring countries of different sizes and with different social systems have maintained such close ties over such a long period without major friction.

It is a relationship based on mutual interests and mutual trust, he said, adding that "one thing I've observed is that with each passing year, the relationship is strengthened, broadened and expanded".

After Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to China in May, the two countries issued a joint statement, agreeing to promote the high-quality development of the upgraded version of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0.

During the first decade of the CPEC, Chinese investment helped generate about 8,000 megawatts of electricity, build over 500 kilometers of roads and create over 250,000 jobs, contributing significantly to Pakistan's modernization, according to Syed.

The second phase will shift from government-led projects to business-to-business cooperation, with a greater focus on agriculture, industry, mining, education and artificial intelligence, he said.

China's development in high-tech manufacturing, artificial intelligence, robotics and space technology offers valuable experience for developing countries, he added.

Syed expressed optimism about future China-Pakistan cooperation in emerging technologies.

Pakistan has a young population with technical capabilities and English-language advantages, while China leads in technological innovation, he said.

"The fusion of Chinese technology and Pakistani talent can become a game changer not only for our bilateral relations but for Asia as a whole," he said.