China-Pakistan enduring friendship

Comprehensive bilateral and industrial cooperation unlocks new development prospects

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. In Pakistan, it is warmly celebrated in the streets, marketplaces, parks, schools, colleges and chambers of commerce of major cities. Throughout the celebrations, the air reverberated with proclamations of how Pakistan-China friendship is higher than the mountains, deeper than the seas and sweeter than honey.

Over the past 75 years, the two countries have cultivated a relationship founded on mutual respect, strategic trust and a shared commitment to development and regional stability. As global and regional dynamics continue to evolve, cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization has emerged as a significant pillar of the China-Pakistan partnership, creating new opportunities for economic growth, industrialization, connectivity, cultural exchange, multilateral cooperation and regional prosperity.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has contributed substantially to modernizing Pakistan’s infrastructure through investments in transportation networks, energy generation and industrial development. Major road projects and power plants have enhanced connectivity and addressed critical development challenges. Investment in the energy sector has uplifted people’s lives at a time when Pakistan was facing its worst energy crisis. Beyond their economic value, these initiatives have strengthened regional linkages and reinforced Pakistan’s role as an important gateway connecting South Asia, Central Asia and the broader Eurasian region.

Educational, cultural and people-to-people exchanges have become other important dimensions of bilateral relations. An example is the increasing number of Pakistani students studying in Chinese universities and the Pakistanis who have learned the Chinese language and are now working in different places in China, especially as interpreters. The growing interest in learning the Chinese language in Pakistan, paired with scholarship programs and academic partnerships, has created valuable opportunities for students, researchers and professionals of both countries. These exchanges have fostered greater mutual understandings and strengthened societal connections. Cultural programs, media cooperation and tourism initiatives have also contributed to building a stronger foundation of friendship between the peoples of China and Pakistan. Cultural cooperation has further strengthened. Chinese food is becoming popular as more Chinese restaurants are being opened in major cities across Pakistan. Many Chinese habits, such as drinking hot water, are also becoming popular among Pakistanis, who are beginning to appreciate its health benefits.

Another example of the growing cooperation is the increasingly visible presence of Chinese-made cars on Pakistan’s streets, which were dominated by Japanese-made cars for almost three decades. Chinese brands such as Haval, Changan and BYD have established a strong presence in Pakistan.

The SCO has also provided an important platform for advancing bilateral and regional cooperation. As active members of the organization, China and Pakistan have collaborated on issues related to regional security, economic development and multilateral dialogue. Through the organization, both countries have engaged in efforts to combat terrorism, extremism and transnational crime while promoting economic connectivity and regional integration.

While the projects under the BRI and SCO frameworks have brought substantial benefits, several challenges remain and warrant careful attention. Effective planning, transparency and long-term sustainability will be essential for maximizing the benefits of future economic cooperation. The CPEC should be seen not merely as a corridor but as a transformative development framework that helps Pakistan convert geographical obstacles into geoeconomic connectivity and cooperation into national development.

Security poses another major challenge. Both countries need to attach great importance to this issue as the successful implementation of infrastructure and connectivity projects depends on a stable and secure environment. Sustained cooperation between relevant institutions in both countries will be important to ensure that development projects proceed smoothly and contribute to broader regional stability.

China and Pakistan should continue to pursue constructive engagement, strengthen regional cooperation mechanisms and promote dialogue as a means of addressing common challenges. The SCO can play a particularly valuable role in fostering trust, enhancing cooperation and supporting a more inclusive regional order.

In April and May, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari paid a weeklong visit to China, with stops in Hunan and Hainan provinces, and focused on factories, farming and provincial-level cooperation, underscoring the two countries’ efforts to move their long-running economic partnership into industrial upgrading, agricultural modernization and technology-driven growth.

Looking ahead, several areas offer promising opportunities for deeper cooperation. Both China and Pakistan should continue to advance high-quality development under the BRI framework. Future cooperation could place greater emphasis on innovation-driven growth, green development, renewable energy, digital connectivity and technological collaboration.

Educational and research cooperation should be further expanded. Universities, research institutions and think tanks can play a vital role in generating new ideas, promoting policy dialogue and strengthening intellectual exchanges.

China and Pakistan should continue leveraging the SCO as a platform for regional economic integration and connectivity. Enhanced cooperation in trade facilitation, transportation networks, logistics and cross-border commerce can unlock new opportunities for growth across the region.

At the same time, coordinated efforts to address security challenges will contribute to a more stable environment conducive to development and prosperity.

The progress achieved under the BRI and SCO frameworks reflects not only the strength of bilateral ties but also the broader potential of regional collaboration. By prioritizing sustainable development, innovation, educational exchanges and multilateral cooperation, both countries can further deepen their partnership and contribute meaningfully to regional peace, connectivity and shared prosperity in the years ahead.

The author is an editor with Sub News Media House.

The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.