China and Pakistan concluded their seventh strategic dialogue by pledging to deepen all-round cooperation on counter-terrorism with zero tolerance and to ensure the secure and smooth advancement of joint infrastructure projects.
According to a joint communiqué issued on Monday, a visit by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, to China was made from January 3 to 5, where he co-chaired the dialogue with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
During the talks, China commended the comprehensive measures taken by Pakistan to combat terrorism and protect Chinese personnel and projects within its borders, acknowledging the significant contributions and sacrifices made by the nation in these efforts.
Both nations reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, agreeing to make concerted efforts to safeguard the China-Pakistan Belt and Road cooperation. They also expressed firm opposition to any double standards on counter-terrorism in the international community.
The foreign ministers agreed to build an upgraded version 2.0 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative. This next phase will focus on the key sectors of industry, agriculture, and mining, alongside promoting the Gwadar Port and ensuring the smooth operation of the Karakoram Highway.
The dialogue also saw a strong reaffirmation of mutual support on core national interests. Pakistan reiterated its firm commitment to the one-China principle, stating that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory and opposing any form of ‘Taiwan independence’. Islamabad also affirmed its support for Beijing on issues concerning Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea.
In turn, China reiterated its steadfast support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Beijing also supports Islamabad”s pursuit of a development path suited to its national conditions and its efforts to play a larger role in regional and international affairs.
The high-level meeting coincided with the announcement of year-long commemorative activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2026, aimed at consolidating their “ironclad friendship.”
On regional matters, the Pakistani side briefed their counterparts on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. China reiterated its position that the Kashmir dispute is a matter left over from history and should be resolved peacefully in accordance with the U.N. Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions.
Regarding Afghanistan, both nations agreed to encourage the Afghan government to build an inclusive political framework and adopt moderate policies. They called for more visible action to dismantle all terrorist organisations based in Afghanistan, which they noted continue to pose serious threats to regional security.
The communiqué also addressed the conflict in Gaza, with both sides calling for an unconditional, comprehensive, and permanent ceasefire and reaffirming support for the implementation of a two-state solution.
New frontiers of collaboration were also discussed, with both countries expressing satisfaction at their expanding space cooperation and the expected early entrance of Pakistani astronauts into the China Space Station.
The two nations agreed to enhance coordination within multilateral mechanisms like the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). China expressed its full support for Pakistan”s upcoming role as the rotating president of the SCO from 2026 to 2027.
The next round of the Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue is scheduled to be held in Islamabad.