ISSI Hosts Hong Ting Forum: Dialogue in Islamabad in Collaboration with Xinhua News Agency

• Hong Ting Forum in Islamabad: A Deep Dive into China-Pakistan Relations

• Understanding the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership: Insights from the Hong Ting Forum

• Chinese-Style Modernization: Lessons for Pakistan Discussed at ISSI Event

• Key Figures Highlight China-Pakistan Collaboration and Development Paths at Hong Ting Forum

The China Pakistan Study Centre at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with Xinhua News Agency, organized the Hong Ting Forum: Dialogue in Islamabad, titled “Understanding China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and Chinese-Style Modernization Development Path.” The event highlighted China’s unique national modernization and the significance of the China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Participants included distinguished figures from the diplomatic community, academia, think tanks, and civil society.

During his welcome remarks, Jiang Chao, Bureau Chief of Xinhua News Agency, stated that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, the China-Pakistan friendship has stood the test of time. He added that comprehensive reform and promoting Chinese-style modernization under the 18th CPC Central Committee have led to a new milestone, facilitating the strengthening of the China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

Mr. Mudassar Iqbal, Deputy Director of the Associated Press of Pakistan, commended China’s people-centered approach to modernization, which has ensured that the fruits of growth reach the populace. He noted that Pakistan aspires to follow a similar path to modernization and development. Furthermore, he highlighted that China’s sustainable and ecological development serves as a guiding beacon that can model for developing nations, including Pakistan.

Dr. Salma Malik, Associate Professor at Quaid-i-Azam University, stated that Chinese modernization is rooted in Deng Xiaoping’s cardinal principles, which include the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, strengthening China’s global position, and envisioning a new type of development based on Communist Party principles. She emphasized that these principles create harmony between nature and humanity, reflected in the greening of CPEC and BRI projects.

Dr. Hassan Daud Butt, Associate Professor at Bahria University Islamabad, stated that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) remains the buckle of the belt in the Belt and Road Initiative, being the most inclusive, vital, and progressive of all BRI corridors. He noted that developing countries can also follow the Chinese model of development and modernization to achieve middle and higher income levels.

Mr. Farrukh Pitafi, Senior Anchorperson, emphasized that storytelling has always been vital in building positive narratives, noting that the China story is an integral part of Pakistan’s national narrative. He stressed the importance of retelling the story of Pakistan-China relations through media from both countries and proposed that a comprehensive CPEC media strategy should aim to help the Chinese understand Pakistan and vice versa while countering any negative propaganda against CPEC and BRI.

Mr. Shi Yuanqiang, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of China in Pakistan, stated that continuous reforms and opening up are crucial steps in China’s development path. He mentioned that Premier Li Qiang’s recent visit to Pakistan marks another significant step in strengthening the China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. He highlighted the leadership of both countries’ agreement to support and promote three initiatives: the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, alongside promoting CPEC and people-to-people relations. He also added that any attempts to undermine cooperation between both countries through acts of terrorism will yield no results.

Ambassador Masood Khalid, former Ambassador of Pakistan to China, delivered the keynote address, stating that China has made significant contributions to the world, including building the Great Wall, introducing meritocracy, and establishing the grand canal system. He noted that China’s development journey has seen its economy grow from $2.286 trillion in 2005 to $18 trillion today. He underscored the special high-priority nature of the China-Pakistan relationship, asserting that any attempts to sabotage it are destined to fail. Pakistan can learn much from the Chinese approach to modernization; however, a whole-of-government approach is essential to utilize CPEC and BRI as a learning opportunity for development.

Earlier, in his introductory remarks, Dr. Talat Shabbir stated that China and Pakistan share a history of exceptional relations that have matured into a comprehensive, multi-faceted partnership addressing the political, economic, strategic, and cultural aspirations of both nations. He noted that President Xi Jinping’s Chinese-style modernization offers invaluable lessons for Pakistan as it charts its path toward sustainable development.

In his closing remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of the Board of Governors at ISSI, stated that Chinese development is characterized by constant struggle and reform. He emphasized that China’s vision of a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind does not impose its worldview but prescribes how countries should adopt a development path suited to their own needs.