Beijing (TDI): Pakistan and China have started a strategic dialogue in Beijing as the former’s foreign minister kicked off a three-day visit to the Chinese capital.
The seventh annual Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, opened with a comprehensive agenda covering bilateral cooperation, trade, and regional developments.
The talks aim to deepen what both sides describe as an “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” and to explore new avenues for collaboration across multiple sectors.
During opening remarks, officials underscored the breadth of cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing, with both sides agreeing to assess existing joint initiatives while identifying fresh opportunities to expand economic, political, and security ties.
The review is set against the backdrop of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, a milestone both governments plan to commemorate throughout 2026 with a series of initiatives and events.
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Economic cooperation remains central to the agenda, with bilateral trade currently valued at about $23 billion, according to Pakistan’s foreign ministry.
The strategic dialogue represents the highest consultative mechanism between the two countries, designed to institutionalize high-level engagement and ensure sustained momentum on shared priorities.
Beyond trade and economic linkages, discussions are expected to touch on regional stability, defense cooperation, connectivity projects, and collaboration in science and technology.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) remains a flagship element of this bilateral relationship, attracting ongoing investment in infrastructure and energy projects across Pakistan.
While recent global economic uncertainties have tested many international partnerships, Islamabad and Beijing have repeatedly affirmed their commitment to strengthening mutual ties.
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The dialogue comes at a time when regional dynamics are shifting, including in neighboring Afghanistan, where developments continue to influence security and economic considerations for both Pakistan and China.
Beijing has increasingly positioned itself as a key interlocutor in Afghan affairs, while Islamabad seeks continued engagement to stabilize conditions along its borders.
Both Islamabad and Beijing are expected to highlight progress achieved during the talks and set forth a roadmap for the next phase of their long-standing partnership.
The talks also reflect a mutual interest in addressing broader international developments and aligning positions on issues of shared concern in Asia and beyond.
