Beijing (TDI): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan and China’s long-standing relationship has grown stronger with time, remaining resilient despite shifting global dynamics.
In an interview with People’s Daily Online, Ishaq Dar noted that Pakistan and China will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, a milestone that reflects decades of mutual respect, trust, and close cooperation. He described the bilateral relationship as “iron-clad,” emphasizing that both countries have consistently supported each other on core national interests and key international issues.
He said that the leadership of Pakistan and China continues to translate shared understandings into practical cooperation, particularly in areas such as economic growth and industrial development. According to him, both sides are now accelerating efforts to build a China–Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.
Speaking about the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Ishaq Dar said the project has entered a phase focused on high-quality development, with special attention being given to initiatives that directly improve public welfare. He highlighted agriculture as a vital pillar of Pakistan’s economy and said cooperation between the two countries has already produced encouraging results in crops such as chilies, rapeseed, and sesame. He added that a growing number of Pakistani agricultural products are now gaining access to the Chinese market.
These developments, he said, are helping Pakistani farmers become part of regional value chains and increase their earnings. As part of capacity-building efforts, Pakistan launched a program in 2025 to train 1,000 agricultural experts in China, with two groups already sent to learn modern farming techniques and agricultural innovation.
Looking ahead, Ishaq Dar said both countries aim to deepen cooperation across the entire agricultural value chain under the CPEC framework, which will support modernization and long-term growth of Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
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He also highlighted expanding cooperation in industry and technology, noting that Chinese solar equipment, electric vehicles, and electric motorcycles are increasingly available in Pakistan, improving everyday life for citizens. Chinese firms have also set up manufacturing facilities in Pakistan, contributing to industrial upgrading and job creation. In regions facing energy shortages and high costs, China’s clean energy technologies are offering new opportunities for development and public welfare.
On space cooperation, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan and China have jointly launched nine satellites, covering communications, earth observation, remote sensing, and lunar exploration. He added that a Pakistani astronaut is expected to visit China’s space station later this year, calling the progress a clear sign of a dependable and long-term partnership in space science.
Commenting on China’s economic outlook, he said China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan and its focus on high-quality development and openness are drawing global attention. Pakistan, he added, is keen to deepen cooperation and benefit from China’s experience in modernization.
Addressing global challenges, Ishaq Dar said the four major initiatives proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping have gained wide international support, offering long-term solutions to pressing global issues and contributing to regional and global stability.
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He recalled that in September 2025, Pakistan and China adopted an Action Plan (2025–2029) to further strengthen their shared future partnership, adding that both sides remain committed to expanding practical cooperation under this framework.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance on key issues, Ishaq Dar said the two countries are all-weather strategic partners and that Pakistan has consistently supported China on matters of core national interest. He reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to the One-China policy, stating clearly that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China.
He concluded by stressing that countries in the region must avoid interference in each other’s internal affairs, promote dialogue, prioritize development, and work together to ensure lasting peace, stability, and shared prosperity across Asia and beyond.
