Ashraf Muhammad
Karachi: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) organized the launch of the second edition of China Leads: The World Listens, authored by Dr. Junaid Ahmad, at Federation House, Karachi. The ceremony drew a large audience of business leaders, academics, book enthusiasts, and observers of China’s global role.
Yang Yundong, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, attended as chief guest, while the session was chaired by FPCCI Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon and co-chaired by Shabbir Hassan Mansha, Chairman of the Pak-China Business Council.
The book was reviewed by three eminent scholars: Senator Javed Jabbar, writer and former federal minister; Wajid Jawad, President of Anjuman Taraqqi-e-Urdu Pakistan; and Prof. Dr. Guo Xuetang of Shanghai University, who joined via video link.
Speakers noted that the first edition, launched in mid-2024, was widely acclaimed. The second edition incorporates updated data and recent initiatives of Chinese President Xi Jinping, including the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has seen over 155 countries participate with investments exceeding US$1.35 trillion in infrastructure and productive sectors.
The book also discusses the Global Development Initiative (2021), focused on health, education, and population welfare; the Global Security Initiative (2022), promoting sovereignty and territorial integrity; and the Global Civilizational Initiative (2023), aimed at fostering cultural harmony worldwide.
Reviewers highlighted how China’s economic and military strength has outpaced several older Western powers, positioning Beijing at the center of a shifting world order. With Pakistan described as China’s “all-weather friend and iron brother,” the discussions also touched on the significance of bilateral ties amid ongoing regional conflicts, including the Pakistan–India standoff and the Iran–Israel war.
The event concluded with acknowledgment of China’s growing global influence and its vision of equity, mutual respect, and cooperation in international affairs.
