Beijing, January 5, 2026 — Pakistan and China on Sunday reaffirmed their “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” and agreed to deepen cooperation across political, economic, security and regional fronts during the Seventh Round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue held in Beijing.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who was on an official visit to China from January 3 to January 5 at the invitation of the Chinese side.
According to a joint press communiqué issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides held extensive discussions on bilateral relations, including strategic and political coordination, defence and security cooperation, trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contacts. Regional and international issues of mutual interest were also reviewed, with both sides agreeing to enhance strategic communication, deepen mutual trust, and jointly safeguard shared interests for regional and global peace and development.
Both countries announced the launch of commemorative activities in 2026 to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. The celebrations aim to further consolidate bilateral friendship and explore new areas of cooperation to ensure the relationship continues to grow stronger across generations.
Reiterating that Pakistan and China are “iron brothers,” the two sides underscored the strategic importance of their partnership for regional stability and development. They reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Action Plan to Foster an Even Closer China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era (2025–2029), and agreed to keep this framework at the forefront of China’s relations with neighboring countries.
Pakistan praised China’s development achievements under President Xi Jinping, congratulating Beijing on the successful completion of its 14th Five-Year Plan and the formulation of the upcoming 15th Plan. China, in turn, commended Pakistan’s progress toward macroeconomic stability and its National Economic Transformation Plan (URAAN Pakistan 2024–2029).
On core interests, Pakistan reiterated its firm support for the one-China principle, including China’s positions on Taiwan, Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea. China reaffirmed its steadfast support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, counter-terrorism efforts and economic development.
China appreciated Pakistan’s measures to ensure the security of Chinese personnel and projects, acknowledging Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. Both sides agreed to further strengthen counter-terrorism and security cooperation, with zero tolerance for terrorism in all its forms, and opposed double standards on the issue.
The two countries also agreed to accelerate work on an upgraded “CPEC 2.0,” aligning development priorities with a focus on industry, agriculture and mining. They emphasized the development of Gwadar Port, smooth operation of the Karakoram Highway, year-round opening of the Khunjerab Pass, and enhanced cooperation in trade, IT, science and technology, education, and cultural exchanges. Third-party participation in CPEC was welcomed in line with agreed modalities.
Cooperation in finance and banking, space exploration — including the expected participation of Pakistani astronauts in China’s space station — and multilateral forums such as the United Nations and Shanghai Cooperation Organization was also highlighted. China congratulated Pakistan on its role at the UN Security Council and expressed support for Pakistan’s upcoming SCO presidency from 2026 to 2027.
On regional and global issues, both sides reiterated support for peaceful resolution of disputes in South Asia, including Jammu and Kashmir in line with UN resolutions, called for stability in Afghanistan, demanded an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution for Palestine.
At the conclusion of the dialogue, Senator Ishaq Dar thanked Foreign Minister Wang Yi for the warm hospitality extended to the Pakistani delegation. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of the Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad next year on mutually convenient dates.
