Pakistan-China Relations: An Enduring Friendship, A Shared Future


By: Shams-ul-Haq


On October 1, the People’s Republic of China celebrated its 77th National Day. The longstanding fraternal relationship between Pakistan and China is an example for the world. In the following lines, we will take a detailed look at Pakistan-China relations and the journey of friendship between the two countries.


Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China in May 1951, the two countries have maintained a longstanding and reliable friendship. Over more than seven decades, this relationship has expanded beyond diplomacy to encompass defense, trade, infrastructure, technology, and regional connectivity.


The two countries have supported each other on important national and regional issues. Pakistan has supported Beijing’s position on matters concerning China’s sovereignty, including Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang, while China has supported Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir issue. In the early 1970s, Pakistan also played an important role in facilitating the establishment of contacts between China and the United States.


Defense cooperation is an important component of this relationship. China is a major source of defense equipment for Pakistan, while the two countries have also cooperated in joint production and technology. The JF-17 Thunder is a prominent example of this cooperation. Joint military exercises have further strengthened collaboration between the two armed forces.


Economic relations entered a new phase with the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Chinese investment in electricity, roads, and other infrastructure has helped address Pakistan’s development needs, while the Gwadar Port has provided Pakistan with an opportunity to emerge as an important hub for regional trade and connectivity.


Now, in the next phase of CPEC, greater emphasis should be placed on industrial development, Special Economic Zones, agriculture, technology, and exports. For Pakistan, the real success of these initiatives will lie in ensuring that investment contributes to increased domestic production, employment, and exports.


Although some circles have expressed concerns regarding Pakistan’s financial obligations, trade deficit, and economic dependence, the solution is not to end cooperation but to make it more balanced and productive. This requires transparency, better governance, and a stronger domestic industrial base.


For China, Pakistan is important because of its strategic geographical location. Access to the Arabian Sea through Gwadar and the potential for connectivity with South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East give Pakistan particular significance. For Pakistan, on the other hand, China is an important source of investment, technology, defense cooperation, and development assistance.


Some regional powers view this relationship through the lens of their own interests. India has raised objections to certain aspects of CPEC. However, both Pakistan and China have repeatedly made it clear that their relationship is not directed against any country; rather, it is based on mutual interests, development, and regional stability.


In the future, both countries should promote not only government-to-government relations but also people-to-people contacts, education, tourism, culture, technology, and business cooperation. This will bring the people of the two countries even closer together.


Pakistan-China friendship has developed strong historical foundations over more than seven decades. The need now is to transform this relationship into tangible benefits in the form of industry, employment, exports, technology, and public prosperity. The next chapter of this friendship should therefore be not only about stronger bilateral relations, but also about shared development, prosperity, and a brighter future for both nations.