Link of friendship

The CPEC is a practical outcome of China-Pakistan cooperation that has steadily strengthened over the past 75 years based on long-term mutual trust

This year marks 75 years of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The anniversary comes at a time when the global landscape is unsettled. Economic fragmentation, an uneven recovery and uncertainty over development paths dominate international debates. Against this backdrop, the China-Pakistan relationship stands out for its steadiness, clarity and practical results. It reflects a partnership built on long-term mutual trust, development-first thinking and mutual respect, shaped by decades of cooperation and a shared outlook on the future.

What has defined China-Pakistan diplomacy over the years is consistency. From the earliest days of recognition through shifting regional and global circumstances, both sides have treated sovereignty, strategic autonomy and development as shared priorities. Political trust was established early and has been carefully maintained across leadership changes. Regular high-level exchanges have created a rhythm of cooperation that has remained stable even during periods of regional uncertainty. This is why the relationship has evolved into a genuine all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, supported by public confidence in both countries.

A major turning point came in 2015, when President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan translated political trust into a concrete economic vision through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Conceived under the Belt and Road Initiative, the CPEC was never meant to be just a set of projects. It was designed as a long-term development plan aimed at addressing Pakistan’s structural challenges. Pakistan’s consistent support for China’s core interests has been matched by China’s firm backing of Pakistan’s sovereignty, stability and development goals. This mutual understanding has given the partnership depth and lasting credibility.

The importance of this year was underscored right at its start. On Jan 4, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar visited Beijing to co-chair the seventh round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The discussions reinforced strategic trust, reaffirmed support for each country’s core interests and set the direction for advancing a high-quality CPEC 2.0. The focus on industry, agriculture and mining signals a shared commitment to the next phase of cooperation.

The impact of this partnership is most visible in economic outcomes. Chinese investment flows have picked up pace. It is estimated that net inflows from China surged to $1.22 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year, accounting for nearly half of Pakistan’s total foreign direct investment of around $2.5 billion. These figures reflect renewed investor confidence, supported by better connectivity, improved energy availability and steady progress under the CPEC.

Since its launch in 2013, the original phase of the CPEC focused on Pakistan’s most pressing challenges, especially energy shortages and weak connectivity. Through a mix of coal, hydropower, wind and solar projects, more than 8,000 megawatts were added to the national grid. Urban load shedding, once as high as 18 hours a day, has largely faded, restoring industrial activity and improving daily life for households. At the same time, over 1,500 kilometers of modern highways, including the Multan-Sukkur Motorway, have reduced logistics costs and connected regions that had long remained on the margins of economic activity.

The CPEC has also broadened employment opportunities. By late 2025, special economic zones such as Rashakai had generated tens of thousands of jobs in textiles, manufacturing and information technology businesses, with growing participation by young workers. Security challenges remain in parts of Balochistan, yet dedicated protection measures have helped maintain continuity and investor confidence. At the same time, the presence of Chinese companies has accelerated technology transfer and productivity improvements across domestic industries.

Humanitarian cooperation has been equally significant. China’s assistance during Pakistan’s devastating floods in 2022 exceeded $57.36 million, followed by continued support for climate resilience. These efforts went beyond emergency relief, deepening people-to-people ties and reinforcing a sense of solidarity during difficult times.

As the CPEC moves into its upgraded phase as the CPEC 2.0, the emphasis has shifted from infrastructure to high-quality, sustainable development. Formalized in September 2025 at the 14th Joint Cooperation Committee Meeting of the CPEC, this phase aligns with Pakistan’s “5Es”: Exports, E-Pakistan, Equity and Empowerment, Environment and Food Security, and Energy and Infrastructure — a framework designed to tackle economic challenges proposed in the country’s National Economic Transformation Plan 2024-29.

The CPEC 2.0 introduces five thematic corridors covering growth, livelihoods, innovation, green development and regional connectivity, including links to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Industrial cooperation draws on China’s experience in relocating manufacturing capacity, with appliance parks and textile hubs expected to create large-scale employment. Digital cooperation has expanded quickly, with agreements worth $8.5 billion in artificial intelligence, e-commerce and connectivity, alongside advanced training programs for thousands of Pakistani professionals in China. Planned upgrades to the Main Line-1 railway project and the Karakoram Highway aim to improve trade efficiency, while mineral development and precision agriculture offer new paths for diversification and food security.

China’s four global initiatives provide a wider governance framework for this partnership. The Global Development Initiative emphasizes inclusive growth and poverty reduction, reflected in the CPEC’s focus on livelihoods and sustainability. The Global Security Initiative promotes dialogue and cooperative security, evident in China-Pakistan coordination on counter-terrorism and regional stability. The Global Civilization Initiative encourages mutual respect through education, media and people-to-people exchanges. The Global Governance Initiative highlights sovereign equality and fair participation in global decision-making, offering developing countries a stronger voice in international affairs.

Seventy-five years after diplomatic ties were established, the China-Pakistan partnership is defined more by outcomes than by statements. The foundation is strong, decades of trust have built resilience, and a shared development vision offers clear direction. At a time when the world feels increasingly divided, the China-Pakistan experience shows how long-term cooperation, rooted in development and mutual respect, can deliver real benefits and contribute to a more balanced and inclusive global order.

The author is the director of the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, Pakistan.

The author contributed this article to China Watch, a think tank powered by China Daily. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

Contact the editor at editor@chinawatch.cn.