In a significant diplomatic move, Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to their “all-weather strategic” partnership, focusing on the high-quality development of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This announcement came during the fourth round of Pakistan-China Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) held in Beijing.
The CPEC, a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aims to enhance regional connectivity by linking Gwadar Port in Pakistan’s Balochistan with China’s Xinjiang province. The meeting, led by Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and China’s Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, reviewed the full scope of cooperation between the two nations, emphasizing sectors such as information technology, agriculture, and clean energy.
Both sides highlighted the importance of CPEC in promoting regional connectivity and common prosperity. The Chinese Vice Foreign Minister underscored the mutually reinforcing relationship between the five new corridors introduced under CPEC 2.0 and Pakistan’s national development framework centered on exports, e-Pakistan, energy, environment, and equity.
The consultations also stressed the need for strengthened coordination at multilateral forums, including the United Nations Security Council. The enduring friendship between Pakistan and China was celebrated, with both nations expressing their commitment to deepening their partnership for mutual benefit.