Chinese CG Stresses Stronger China-Pakistan Ties and CPEC Progress

Enduring partnership under the guidance of

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistan’s

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Highlighted

Sahir Baloch

Karachi: The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Karachi, Yang Yundong, emphasized the unwavering China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperation during a media briefing at the Chinese Consulate on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. He highlighted the enduring partnership under the guidance of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

High-Level Visits Showcase Strong Bilateral Ties

Yang Yundong underscored the significance of Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s recent visit to Pakistan following PM Shehbaz Sharif’s trip to Beijing. He described the China-Pakistan relationship as “iron-clad,” firmly rooted in mutual respect and support. He reaffirmed that attempts to disrupt this cooperation would fail.

Advancing CPEC and Infrastructure Projects

The Consul General outlined plans to upgrade the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with a focus on railways, highways, and ports. Key projects include the modernization of ML-1 and the phased development of the Karachi-Hyderabad section. Efforts are also underway to seek financing for the Karakoram Highway realignment and expedite auxiliary infrastructure development at Gwadar Port.

Yang also announced the completion of the New Gwadar International Airport, a major milestone in enhancing regional connectivity.

Broader Collaboration Across Sectors

China and Pakistan are deepening cooperation in agriculture, mining, IT, energy, trade, and culture. Yang encouraged Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones and called on Pakistan to improve its business environment to attract more investments.

Enhancing People’s Livelihoods

Under the framework of the CPEC Working Group on Socio-Economic Cooperation, the two countries are prioritizing healthcare, education, climate response, and disaster prevention. Yang reiterated China’s commitment to improving the well-being of Pakistani communities.

Safeguarding Security

The Chinese Consul General emphasized Pakistan’s role in ensuring the safety of Chinese personnel and projects, calling for targeted security measures to foster a secure environment for bilateral cooperation.

Media as a Bridge

Yang Yundong stressed the importance of media in enhancing mutual understanding and people-to-people exchanges. He invited Pakistani journalists to visit China to experience its development and strengthen the narrative of China-Pakistan friendship.

China’s Global Contributions

Reflecting on China’s economic growth and development since 1978, Yang noted that China has achieved remarkable milestones, contributing significantly to global economic growth and poverty reduction. He highlighted the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has mobilized nearly $1 trillion in investments globally, boosting trade and GDP in partner countries.

Commitment to Peaceful Development

Yang reaffirmed China’s dedication to peaceful coexistence and equitable global development. He dismissed notions of hegemony, emphasizing China’s focus on building a community with a shared future for humanity.

Thought Leaders on All-Weather Friendship

Dr. Junaid Ahmad, author of China Leads, and Professor Muhammad Ali Shaikh, former Vice Chancellor of Sindh Madressatul Islam University, also spoke on the enduring friendship between China and Pakistan, shedding light on its strategic importance.