Strategic Partnership Set to Deepen China-Pakistan Relations: Ambassador Jiang Zaidong

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong has reaffirmed that the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan will further strengthen the bond between the two nations, driving them closer toward a shared future in the new era.

In a detailed article marking the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Pakistan in April 2015, Ambassador Jiang highlighted the milestones of bilateral cooperation. He emphasized how the visit laid the foundation for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and elevated relations to the world’s first all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

“Over the past decade, we have supported and trusted each other, strengthening our ties with deep mutual understanding,” Jiang stated.

Advancing the CPEC Vision

Ambassador Jiang noted that CPEC has delivered transformative change to Pakistan’s infrastructure and economy. Key achievements include:

• $25.4 billion in direct Chinese investment
• 236,000 local jobs created
• 510 km of highways built
• 886 km of power transmission lines established

Highlighting flagship projects, he mentioned Gwadar’s evolution from a quiet fishing village to a vital port hub, the electrification of thousands of homes through the Sahiwal Coal Power Plant, and Lahore’s Orange Line Metro Train.

“CPEC is not just a project. It is a symbol of our shared progress and a model for international cooperation,” Jiang remarked.

Strengthened Political and Strategic Ties

Ambassador Jiang emphasized that high-level exchanges have been pivotal in reinforcing political trust. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China, Premier Li Qiang’s trip to Pakistan, and President Asif Ali Zardari’s recent visit are examples of continued diplomatic momentum.

President Xi’s meetings with Pakistani leadership have resulted in key agreements and renewed commitment to long-term collaboration. “We are ready to convert leadership consensus into tangible actions and fruitful outcomes,” Jiang added.

Enhanced Security and Global Cooperation

Security cooperation also remains a core element of bilateral relations. During President Zardari’s visit, both sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the Global Security Initiative, reinforcing their joint approach to regional and global security challenges.

“Our collaboration in traditional and non-traditional security areas will ensure a safe environment for sustained CPEC development,” the ambassador said.

Cultural and Educational Exchange Flourishing

Highlighting people-to-people connectivity, Jiang pointed out that Pakistan remains among the top countries sending students to China and receiving scholarships. Over 130 universities have joined the CPEC Consortium of Universities, and Urdu is now offered at various Chinese institutions.

Cultural initiatives like the co-produced film Batie Girl, the Gandhara Art Exhibition, and the recently launched China Express News Bulletin on PTV have received widespread acclaim.

“We are working to promote President Xi’s Global Civilization Initiative and deepen ties through education, arts, youth exchanges, and sister-city collaborations,” Jiang said.

A Future of Promise and Decade of Progress

Reflecting on the past ten years, Jiang called it a “decade of harvest,” adding that the partnership now stands at a new starting point.

With Pakistan launching its “Uraan Pakistan” initiative and China entering a new reform phase in 2025, Jiang stressed the importance of strategic alignment to achieve shared prosperity. “We will continue to write this story of joint development and inclusive growth through high-quality Belt and Road cooperation,” he concluded.