Chinese PM to visit Pakistan next month: Amb. Jiang Zaidong

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong on Wednesday called for Pakistan and China to work together as key partners in modernisation, economic growth and international stability. He was addressing a seminar on “China in Spring: China’s Opportunities, Shared by the World”, organised by China Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in collaboration with China Media Group (CMG).

The Chinese envoy highlighted the enduring Pakistan-China friendship, emphasizing mutual respect and expanding collaboration. He underscored China’s economic resilience, investing $3.6 trillion in tech-driven innovation, and advancing green projects.

Zaidong reaffirmed Pakistan’s role in China’s strategic initiatives, particularly through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and space cooperation. Stressing China’s leadership in poverty alleviation, job creation, and skill development, he also highlighted China’s diplomatic vision for fostering global peace and security.

He highlighted the key takeaways from the China’s “Two Sessions” as well as Chinese diplomatic successes in recent years and its future outlook in terms of upholding fairness and justice and supporting peace and stability. It has set the course for the country’s governance, economic growth, and global engagement.

The ambassador told the gathering that the Chinese premier would visit Pakistan next month and discuss the growth of CPEC and other subjects of mutual interest.

Former foreign secretary and Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted the significance of China’s “Two Sessions”, particularly in shaping economic policies, advancing high-tech industries, and setting a 5 per cent GDP growth target for 2025.

He noted that Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s reaffirmation of China’s commitment to global stability, emphasising China’s proactive global role through initiatives like the China’s Belt and Road Initiative BRI, Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), and Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI). Stressing the strength of Pakistan-China strategic ties, he underscored CPEC’s transformative role and new initiatives to enhance trade, job creation and regional connectivity.

While recognising security challenges and evolving regional dynamics, he reaffirmed the resilience and unwavering commitment of both nations to overcoming challenges.

Ambassador Mahmood underscored the role of media and think-tanks in fostering informed discourse, dispelling misconceptions, and strengthening mutual understanding in an evolving geopolitical landscape.

In his keynote address, Pakistan’s former ambassador to China Masood Khan highlighted the enduring strength of Pakistan-China relations, emphasising their strategic, economic, and defence cooperation. He underscored CPEC’s evolution beyond infrastructure to include people-to-people exchanges and social development. He acknowledged China’s unprecedented progress and global rise and its role in fostering global economic cooperation through the BRI.

Referring to the regional security, he stressed Pakistan’s ongoing fight against terrorism and called for greater understanding and collaboration with China. He emphasised the need to shape narratives positively and strengthen bilateral ties through strategic engagement.