Pakistan and China Reaffirm Strong Partnership during Premier Li Qiang’s Visit

• Pakistan and China Strengthen Strategic Cooperation

• High-Level Talks Lead to Significant Agreements

• Pakistan-China Relations: A Model for Global Collaboration

Joint Statement between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the People’s Republic of China

At the invitation of Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr. Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, paid an official visit to Pakistan from October 14 to 15, 2024. During the visit, Premier Li Qiang held talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and met with Asif Ali Zardari, President of Pakistan; Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Chairman of the Senate; and Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, as well as the Chiefs of Staff of the Army, Navy, and Air Force of Pakistan, called on Premier Li Qiang. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views and reached an extensive consensus on further consolidating and deepening the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, promoting practical cooperation in various sectors, and addressing issues of mutual interest.

2. The two sides underscored that since the establishment of diplomatic ties, Pakistan-China relations have withstood the test of time and have remained rock-solid. Since President Xi Jinping’s historic state visit to Pakistan in 2015, the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the two countries has made significant progress. Following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s successful official visit to China in June 2024, the two countries have enjoyed even stronger political mutual trust, more vibrant cooperation, and closer strategic coordination. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the momentum of Pakistan-China relations and agreed to further strengthen the ironclad friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
3. The Pakistani side highly commends and firmly supports the major visions and propositions put forth by President Xi Jinping, such as fostering a community with a shared future for mankind, the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. Both sides advocate for an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and are committed to working together with all countries worldwide for a bright future of peace, security, prosperity, and progress.
4. The two sides noted that in a transforming and turbulent world where major changes are unfolding at a faster pace, the Pakistan-China relationship is of strategic significance, and any attempt to disrupt or undermine Pakistan-China cooperation is bound to fail. Pakistan and China enjoy an all-level, cross-border, and high-quality relationship. The Chinese side reiterated that the China-Pakistan relationship is a priority in its foreign relations. The Pakistani side underscored that the Pakistan-China relationship is the cornerstone of its foreign policy, while the Chinese side highlighted that the China-Pakistan relationship is of special significance in China’s foreign policy. The two sides will continue to deepen cooperation in various fields and accelerate efforts to build an even closer Pakistan-China community with a shared future in the new era.

I. Strengthening High-Level Political Mutual Trust

5. The two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of exchanges under the strategic guidance of the top leaders for the development of bilateral relations. They agreed to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation at all levels and across various fields between governments, legislative bodies, and political parties.
6. The Pakistani side expressed warm congratulations on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the successful conclusion of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, highlighting that China’s endeavor to further deepen reform comprehensively and advance high-standard opening will bring new development opportunities for Pakistan and all other countries worldwide. The Chinese side commended the new achievements attained by Pakistan in economic reform and development under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The two sides reaffirmed their firm support for each other in independently choosing a development path that suits their respective national realities and agreed to strengthen exchanges of governance experience and foster greater synergy between their development strategies.
7. The two sides reaffirmed their unyielding support for each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns. Both sides stressed that the authority of the U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 brooks no question or challenge. The Pakistani side reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China principle, reiterating that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China, and that Pakistan firmly supports all efforts made by China to achieve national reunification, firmly opposes any form of “Taiwan independence,” and will firmly support China on issues concerning Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea. The Chinese side reiterated its unwavering support for Pakistan in defending national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and its support for Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard national security, stability, development, and prosperity.

II. Deepening High-Level Practical Cooperation

8. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to an upgraded version of CPEC by jointly building a growth corridor, a livelihood-enhancing corridor, an innovation corridor, a green corridor, and an open corridor, developing CPEC into a demonstration project of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. The two sides agreed to further synergize China’s eight major steps for supporting Belt and Road cooperation with Pakistan’s 5Es framework based on Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy, and Equity & Empowerment. The Pakistani side positively assessed the visit by the Chinese working team on economic cooperation and expressed its willingness to continue experience-sharing on development in various areas with the Chinese side.
9. Following the important common understanding between the leaders of the two countries, the two sides reaffirmed their readiness to advance the upgradation of ML-1 and agreed to build the Karachi-Hyderabad section in line with the modality of “implementing in a phased manner.” The two sides will work together to refine and optimize the construction plan for the Karachi-Hyderabad section and formulate financing and implementation plans that are feasible and sustainable at the earliest.
10. The two sides agreed to actively seek financial support for the Karakoram Highway (Raikot-Thakot) realignment project under the terms of the Framework Agreement of the project. Meanwhile, the two sides agreed to continue harnessing the Intergovernmental Joint Technical Working Group for the Karakoram Highway (Raikot-Thakot) realignment project, ensuring it provides technical guidance during the entire process of implementation to facilitate the project’s early execution.
11. Recognizing the significance of Gwadar Port as a key hub for cross-regional connectivity, the two sides reaffirmed their readiness to speed up the development of the auxiliary infrastructure of Gwadar Port, to steadily attract more cargo shipments to the port, to find a solution to inadequate water and power supply at an early date, to accelerate the development of the port’s industrial zone, and to solidly enhance connectivity between the port and other parts of Pakistan. During the visit, leaders of both sides attended the completion ceremony of the New Gwadar International Airport.
12. The two sides agreed to further strengthen industrial cooperation suited to local conditions and promote international cooperation on industrial and supply chains. The Chinese side reiterated its support for Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones in line with market and commercial principles. The Pakistani side reiterated its commitment to improving its business environment and providing a favorable policy framework for Chinese investment. Both sides welcome the active participation of third parties in CPEC cooperation.
13. The two sides reaffirmed their willingness to actively encourage Chinese companies to engage in investment and cooperation in Pakistan’s mining industry and jointly explore the planning of mining industrial parks, including downstream mineral processing.
14. The two sides agreed to further strengthen their practical cooperation in areas such as crop cultivation, animal husbandry, epidemic prevention and control for plants and animals, agricultural mechanization, agricultural technical exchange, and capacity building for modernization and resilience of Pakistan’s agriculture. The two sides agreed to continue promoting agricultural cooperation between China’s Xinjiang and Pakistan.
15. The two sides positively assessed the achievements of Pakistan-China energy cooperation and agreed to continue to promote CPEC energy cooperation in a practical, prudent, and orderly manner. The two sides will jointly explore solutions for specific issues based on scientific research and friendly consultation. The two sides agreed to strengthen professional exchanges on improving the efficiency and management of Pakistan’s power system.
16. The two sides agreed to continue advancing practical cooperation in areas such as basic geological surveys, resource potential evaluation, offshore oil and gas resource exploration, and natural gas hydrates, carrying out exchanges and training on geological technology, and work toward conducting a new round of Pakistan-China joint surveys of marine geology.
17. The two sides agreed to conduct further consultation on promoting trade liberalization under the framework of Phase II of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement and actively explore possible bilateral concessional arrangements based on the spirit of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. The Chinese side welcomes Pakistani enterprises to make full use of platforms such as the China International Import Expo to expand bilateral trade and supports Pakistan in enhancing its exports to China. The Pakistani side welcomes Chinese enterprises to expand investment in priority sectors for enhancing export-oriented industries as identified by Pakistan. The two sides agreed to facilitate deeper exchanges and cooperation between the business communities of the two countries.
18. The Pakistani side expressed high appreciation for China’s valuable support for the fiscal and financial stability of Pakistan. The two sides spoke highly of the extension of the China-Pakistan Bilateral Currency Swap Arrangement and agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the financial and banking sectors and support each other within regional and international multilateral financial platforms.
19. The Chinese side expressed its willingness to continue supporting Pakistan in improving the well-being of its people, aiming to ensure that development benefits reach all regions and communities. The Pakistani side expressed its appreciation for China’s support, particularly in providing solar lighting equipment and health kits, as well as contributing to the development of key projects such as the China-Pakistan Friendship Hospital, the China-Pakistan Technical and Vocational Institute, and the Chinese Medical Team’s humanitarian assistance. The two sides agreed to further enhance cooperation in the areas of health, education, culture, tourism, and disaster prevention and mitigation, particularly in facilitating people-to-people exchanges and fostering cultural connections.

III. Enhancing Multilateral Cooperation

20. The two sides noted that the complex and volatile international situation necessitates more cooperation at the multilateral level. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing cooperation within multilateral platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, and the China-South Asia Cooperation Forum, and will work together to address global challenges including climate change and food security.
21. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the principles of multilateralism and economic globalization while opposing unilateralism and protectionism. The Pakistani side expressed its appreciation for China’s role in upholding the principles of justice and fairness in international affairs. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening coordination and cooperation in international organizations and platforms, including the United Nations, to promote the common interests of developing countries and safeguard global peace, stability, and development.
22. The two sides agreed to enhance their coordination on the security front and combat all forms of terrorism, extremism, and separatism. The two sides reaffirmed that no country should tolerate or provide a sanctuary for terrorist forces. Both sides noted that the International Counter-Terrorism Coalition should play a significant role in fostering dialogue and cooperation in counter-terrorism initiatives. The Chinese side reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s anti-terrorism efforts and Pakistan expressed appreciation for China’s firm position on counter-terrorism.
23. The two sides recognized the importance of expanding military-to-military cooperation, and agreed to continue to enhance exchanges and cooperation in defense and security, including training, joint exercises, and intelligence sharing, and further explore collaboration in defense production and technology transfer.

IV. Conclusion

24. Both sides reiterated their commitment to deepening the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and strengthening practical cooperation for mutual benefit. The two sides expressed their firm resolve to continue supporting each other in safeguarding core interests and advancing development objectives, thereby contributing to the peace and stability of the region and beyond. The two sides agreed to continue maintaining close communication and to hold further high-level meetings and exchanges in various forms to facilitate dialogue and enhance understanding.
25. The joint statement was signed on October 15, 2024, during the official visit of Premier Li Qiang to Pakistan.