By Shamsul Haq
The 77th founding anniversary of the People’s Republic of China was celebrated on October 1st. The longstanding fraternal ties between Pakistan and China serve as an example to the world. In the following lines, we will present a detailed overview of Pakistan-China relations and the journey of friendship between the two nations.
Pakistan and China have enjoyed close and enduring relations since establishing diplomatic ties in May 1951. Over more than seven decades, their friendship has expanded from diplomatic cooperation to defence, trade, infrastructure, technology and regional connectivity. The relationship is widely regarded as one of the most consistent bilateral partnerships in Asia.
Historical ties have been strengthened by mutual diplomatic support. Pakistan has consistently backed China on issues concerning its sovereignty, including Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang, while China has supported Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir dispute at international forums. Pakistan also played an important role in facilitating contacts between China and the United States in the early 1970s.
Defence cooperation remains an important feature of the relationship. China is Pakistan’s principal supplier of major defence equipment, while cooperation has evolved into joint production and technology transfer. The JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft is a prominent example of this collaboration. Regular military exercises have further strengthened professional cooperation between the two armed forces.
The economic relationship entered a new phase with the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in 2013. Investment in power generation, roads and other infrastructure helped address Pakistan’s energy shortages and improve connectivity. Gwadar Port has also created the potential for Pakistan to become an important link between China, the Arabian Sea and wider regional markets.
The next stage of CPEC should focus less on infrastructure alone and more on industrialisation, exports, Special Economic Zones, agriculture, technology and employment. This is particularly important for Pakistan, which needs investment that strengthens domestic production and reduces its dependence on imports.
The economic relationship has nevertheless generated debate. Concerns over Pakistan’s financial obligations, the bilateral trade deficit and the returns from some projects deserve attention. These challenges do not diminish the value of cooperation, but they underline the need for greater transparency, stronger Pakistani institutions and projects that generate sustainable economic benefits.
China also attaches importance to Pakistan because of its geographical position. Pakistan provides potential access to the Arabian Sea through Gwadar and offers connectivity with South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. A stable and economically stronger Pakistan is therefore valuable to China’s wider regional interests.
The relationship is not without geopolitical sensitivities. India has objected to CPEC because part of its route passes through territory it claims. Some Western analysts also view the growing cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad through the wider competition for influence in Asia. Pakistan and China, however, maintain that their cooperation is based on mutual interests, development and regional stability.
The future of relations should also extend beyond governments and military institutions. Greater educational exchanges, tourism, cultural interaction, technology cooperation and business-to-business links can bring the peoples of the two countries closer.
After more than seven decades, Pakistan-China relations have developed a strong historical foundation. The challenge now is to translate that goodwill into tangible economic and social benefits. For Pakistan, the priority should be industrial growth, exports, employment and technology transfer. For China, a prosperous and stable Pakistan can provide new economic opportunities and strengthen regional connectivity.
The friendship has stood the test of time. Its next chapter should be measured not only by the strength of diplomatic ties, but by the prosperity it delivers to the people of both countries.
