Bilawal Calls Pak-China Ties a ‘Generation-to-Generation Bond’ at Fudan University

SHANGHAI – Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Wednesday described Pakistan’s relationship with China as a “generation-to-generation bond,” rooted in shared history and strengthened by successive leaders.

Addressing a special session titled “Pak-China Friendship: Past, Present and Future” at Fudan University, Bilawal traced the relationship back over two millennia.
“Over 2,000 years ago, our histories intertwined along the fabled Silk Road,” he said, noting that the regions constituting modern-day Pakistan were once a vital artery connecting China with the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. “This was not just a trade route but a conduit of culture, laying the foundations of what we now celebrate as our iron brotherhood.”

Bilawal paid tribute to his family’s contributions in nurturing ties with Beijing. He recalled that his grandfather, former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was the last foreign dignitary to be received by Chairman Mao Zedong and was instrumental in laying the foundation of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations.

He further highlighted the legacy of his mother, the late prime minister Benazir Bhutto, who “advocated passionately—both domestically and internationally—for the Pakistan-China relationship,” and his father, former president Asif Ali Zardari, who oversaw the transfer of Gwadar Port and the landmark signing of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) agreements in 2013.

Reflecting on his tenure as foreign minister, Bilawal shared his close working relationship with Chinese leaders, including former foreign minister Wang Yi. “I believe, generation after generation, we have carried this relationship forward,” he remarked.

Bilawal also reminded the audience that Pakistan was among the first nations to recognize the People’s Republic of China. “We are particularly proud that while today everybody wants to be friends with China, we sought friendship with China even when no one else did,” he said.

Calling for deeper youth engagement, Bilawal encouraged Chinese students to actively participate in shaping the next chapter of the partnership:
“I am here to engage with you, to speak with you, and to encourage you to begin playing your role in taking this relationship to the next generation and the next level.”