By Dr. Muhammad Shahzad Ashfaq
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif recently embarked on a five-day
visit to China. The visit came at a critical stage for both countries, as they sought to strengthen
their economic and strategic ties amidst a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. One of the
key priorities of PM Sharif’s visit was to seek China's support in addressing Pakistan's economic
challenges. Pakistan has been facing with a severe economic crisis, marked by high inflation, a
flaring fiscal deficit, and a denigrating currency.
Pakistan and China have shared a strong and enduring friendship that has stood the test of
time. Dating back to the early 1950s, the bonds of friendship between the two countries have
only strengthened over the years. The friendship between Pakistan and China is refer to as an
"all-weather friendship" due to its unwavering support and solidarity in times of need. One of the
key factors that have contributed to the strong bond between Pakistan and China is their shared
history of struggle and resilience. Both countries have faced similar challenges and have
overcome them together. This shared sense of struggle has created a deep sense of trust and
understanding between the two nations. Another important aspect of the Pakistan-China
friendship is the mutual respect and support that the two countries have for each other. China has
always stood by Pakistan's side in times of crisis, offering economic assistance, military support,
and diplomatic backing. In return, Pakistan has also been a committed supporter of China on the
international stage, particularly on issues related to its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Pakistan and China have a long-standing and robust relationship that has played a crucial
role in promoting economic growth and regional stability in the region. The strategic partnership
between these two countries has not only benefited both nations, but has also contributed to
strengthening peace in the region. Economic cooperation between Pakistan and China has been
the cornerstone of their relationship. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a prime
example of the successful collaboration between the two countries. The CPEC is a collection of
2
infrastructure and energy projects that aim to connect China's western region to Pakistan's
Gwadar port, providing China with access to the Arabian Sea.
CPEC, China has invested billions of dollars in Pakistan, leading to the development of
road networks, railways, ports, and energy projects. This has boosted Pakistan's economy, but
also created job opportunities and improved the standard of living for its people. The economic
growth generated by the CPEC has helped to alleviate poverty and promote stability in Pakistan.
Furthermore, the close economic ties between China and Pakistan have also benefited the region
as a whole. The CPEC has the potential to transform the region into a hub of economic activity,
attracting investment and trade from other countries. China lead to increased connectivity and
cooperation among regional countries, ultimately fostering peace and stability in the region.
Pakistan and China have also collaborated on security and defense issues. The two
countries have conducted joint military exercises and have cooperated on counter-terrorism
efforts. China has supported Pakistan in its efforts to combat extremism and terrorism, which has
helped to improve security in the region. Moreover, the strong partnership between Pakistan and
China has also had a positive impact on the global stage. Both countries have worked together to
promote multilateralism, uphold international law, and defend the interests of developing
countries. Pakistan and China have been able to assert themselves as key players in the
international arena, contributing to global peace and stability.
The relationship between Pakistan and China plays a crucial role in strengthening peace,
promoting and economic growth. The strategic partnership between Islamabad and Beijing has
served as a key pillar for peace, economic development, and stability in South Asia and beyond.
China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, has brought significant investments in infrastructure
development, energy projects, and special economic zones in Pakistan. This has not only helped
Pakistan address its infrastructure bottlenecks and energy shortages but has also created job
opportunities and boosted economic growth in the country. China, on the other hand, has
benefited from increased access to the Pakistani market and strategic location for its exports.
Moreover, the Pakistan-China alliance has also contributed to regional stability by providing a
counterbalance to India's growing influence in the region. Pak-China shared concerns about
India’s aggressive behavior and its attempts to undermine their strategic interests.
Both countries have relied on each other for economic, military, and diplomatic support to
maintain a balance of power in South Asia. Pakistan and China's relationship dates back to the
1950s, when the two countries signed their first bilateral agreement. The partnership has only
strengthened over the decades, with China becoming Pakistan's largest trading partner and
investor. Pakistan and China have also worked together diplomatically to counter India's
influence in the region. Pakistan and China has support each other's positions on various
international issues, such as the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan. China has
consistently backed Pakistan's stance on Kashmir, while Pakistan has supported China's
territorial claims in the South China Sea. Furthermore, Pakistan and China have cooperated on
regional security issues, such as countering terrorism and promoting stability in Afghanistan.
Both countries have a shared interest in preventing the spread of extremism and maintaining
peace and security in the region. This collaboration has not only strengthened their partnership
but also allowed them to counterbalance India's influence in the region. Pakistan and China's
strong strategic partnership has enabled them to effectively counterbalance India's growing
influence in South Asia and assert their own security interests. By leveraging their economic,
military, and diplomatic ties, both countries have been able to maintain a balance of power in the
region and protect their national interests. Overall, PM Sharif's visit to China underscored the
importance of the partnership between the two countries in shaping the regional and global order.
By deepening their economic and strategic cooperation, Pakistan and China are not only able to
address their respective challenges more effectively but also contribute to the stability and
prosperity of the broader region. Pakistan and China continue to navigate the complexities of the
evolving geopolitical landscape; their partnership will remain a critical factor in shaping the
future of Asia.
