Beijing (TDI): Pakistan and China held the 5th round of Maritime Dialogue in Beijing on 15 April 2025. During the Dialogue, both sides held detailed discussions on bilateral maritime cooperation including blue economy, maritime science and technology, and exchanges between the navies.
Both sides reaffirmed that maritime cooperation is an important element of Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and imperative for achieving shared objectives of peace, stability and development in the region.
The Joint Press Statement detailed the proceedings at the Maritime Dialogue. “The two sides positively reviewed the progress of their cooperation since the fourth round of the dialogue. They engaged in in-depth discussions on maritime security, marine economy, marine science and technology, and the marine environment, reaching broad consensus on various issues,” it read.
Pakistan and China held the 5th round of Maritime Dialogue in Beijing on 15 April 2025. During the Dialogue, both sides held detailed discussions on their bilateral maritime cooperation including blue economy, maritime science and technology, and exchanges between the navies.… pic.twitter.com/cOg3amJeaB
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 16, 2025
The dialogue was co-chaired by Additional Secretary (Asia-Pacific) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, and Director General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Hong Liang.
Both countries also agreed to hold the sixth round of the Dialogue next year.
Maritime cooperation between Pakistan and China compliments the larger Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor (CPEC).
China regularly takes part in multilateral naval exercises hosted by Pakistan. In addition, it extensively supports Pakistan’s naval hardware since maritime interests of both countries converge in the strategic Indian Ocean Region.
Read More: 4th round of Pakistan-China Maritime Dialogue
Both China and Pakistan are members of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Of recent, China is supporting Pakistan’s naval modernization via advanced warships and submarines; including the Type 054A/P frigates and Hangor-class submarines.
In line with a convergence of interests, the Bilateral Maritime Dialogue has become significant for both countries and the larger region.
Nuzhat Rana is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
