Islamabad, January 31: Pakistan and China reaffirmed their longstanding strategic partnership as Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, discussing economic and security cooperation between the two nations.
The meeting followed the Chinese New Year celebrations on January 29, during which both PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari extended special greetings to the Chinese leadership and people.
Strengthening Economic and Security Cooperation
According to Radio Pakistan, the discussions centered on deepening economic collaboration and security ties, reinforcing the robust relationship between Islamabad and Beijing. The prime minister expressed optimism that the Chinese New Year would further strengthen bilateral relations and bring prosperity to both nations.
Welcoming Ambassador Zaidong, PM Shehbaz conveyed his best wishes to Chinese leadership and the Chinese nationals residing in Pakistan, acknowledging their contributions to the country’s development.
Ambassador Zaidong, in turn, expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s warm gestures, underscoring China’s commitment to advancing cooperation in multiple sectors, including infrastructure and trade.
Deputy PM Ishaq Dar Reaffirms Pakistan-China Relations
The Chinese envoy also met Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday, where both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. The meeting highlighted China’s pivotal role in Pakistan’s economic development, particularly through key projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has been described as the "lifeline" of Pakistan’s economy.
Foreign Office Dismisses Allegations Over One-China Policy
The high-level engagements come in the wake of a controversy involving Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, whose participation in an event in the United States sparked criticism over its alleged links to the anti-China group New Federal State of China (NFSC).
In response, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) on Monday dismissed the allegations as “baseless and unfounded”, reaffirming that the One-China Policy remains a fundamental pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Naqvi, facing backlash over the issue, issued a clarification, denying that the event was anti-China but stopping short of addressing its alleged NFSC affiliation. The Foreign Office, however, avoided making direct comments on the controversy.
Despite external narratives, Pakistan and China continue to enjoy strong diplomatic and economic relations, with China playing a crucial role in Pakistan’s infrastructure and energy sectors. The latest engagements reflect the two countries’ shared commitment to mutual growth, regional stability, and strategic cooperation.
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