By: Maarij Farooq
On the 74th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the People’s Republic of China, it is fitting to reflect on a partnership that has not only withstood the test of time but has flourished across decades, evolving into one of the most trusted and resilient alliances in international diplomacy. Rooted in shared principles of mutual respect, non-interference, and strategic alignment, the China-Pakistan relationship today is not just a bilateral partnership—it is a model for regional cooperation and global peacebuilding.
When Pakistan formally recognized the People’s Republic of China on May 21, 1951, it became one of the first Muslim-majority and non-Communist countries to do so. At a time when Cold War lines were being drawn and ideological divides defined foreign policy, Islamabad’s gesture was both bold and visionary. It laid the groundwork for a relationship that would only deepen with time, navigating global power shifts, regional crises, and the tides of political change with consistency and commitment.
The early years saw an accelerated engagement between the two nations. High-level visits in the 1960s, including those by President Ayub Khan and Premier Zhou Enlai, solidified the diplomatic framework and began to chart a strategic course for cooperation. The 1963 border agreement, a peaceful settlement between China and Pakistan, demonstrated their mutual willingness to resolve complex issues through dialogue and paved the way for future trust-based engagements. When the West isolated China, it was Pakistan that served as a bridge—facilitating the historic visit of Henry Kissinger to Beijing in 1971 and helping to open China to the world.
This diplomacy was never transactional. It was built on shared regional concerns, common strategic interests, and a profound understanding of each other’s core security priorities. Over the years, Pakistan has consistently supported China’s position on Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang, while China has stood firmly by Pakistan’s side on Kashmir and its security concerns in South Asia.
This solidarity has only grown stronger. In moments of crisis, whether natural disasters, geopolitical isolation, or economic duress, China has stood with Pakistan. From Gwadar’s development to nuclear cooperation in the 1990s, from diplomatic shielding in the United Nations Security Council to massive economic bailouts in recent years—China has remained a reliable friend. The relationship has matured into what both sides now proudly call an “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.”
A defining moment came in 2013, when Pakistan was grappling with a daunting array of challenges—rampant terrorism, energy shortages, and economic instability. While much of the world adopted a cautious approach, China stepped forward with vision and resolve. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China unveiled the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)—the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
With an initial commitment of over $46 billion, CPEC sought to revolutionize Pakistan’s infrastructure, energy sector, and connectivity. It was not merely an economic plan—it was an act of friendship, an expression of faith in Pakistan’s future. Roads, ports, power plants, and industrial zones were envisioned and rapidly constructed. From Gwadar to Khunjerab, CPEC became the spine of Pakistan’s developmental ambition.
CPEC has generated over 200,000 jobs, added thousands of megawatts to the national grid, and brought once-neglected regions into the fold of progress. Equally significant is the psychological transformation it ushered in: it gave Pakistanis a sense of purpose, pride, and participation in one of the most transformative global initiatives of the 21st century.
Yet the Pakistan-China relationship extends beyond economics. It is equally fortified on the defense and strategic fronts. In recent years, as India’s hegemonic aspirations have grown, so has the resolve of China and Pakistan to ensure strategic balance in South Asia. This is reflected in the successful co-development and deployment of the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, a symbol of military collaboration and technological self-reliance. The recent induction of the J-10C aircraft into Pakistan’s air force further underscores the depth of defense cooperation between the two allies.
This partnership has played a vital role in reinforcing deterrence and ensuring that India’s ambitions are checked by a credible counterforce. The two countries have engaged in joint military exercises, technology transfers, and intelligence-sharing mechanisms that bolster Pakistan’s defense capabilities and contribute to regional stability.
On the diplomatic front, China has remained a steadfast supporter of Pakistan’s principled stance on Kashmir, opposing unilateral actions by India and advocating for a peaceful resolution based on UN Security Council resolutions. Conversely, Pakistan has consistently reaffirmed its support for the One-China policy and actively counters disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilizing Chinese regions such as Xinjiang.
Together, China and Pakistan have also taken joint stances on broader global issues, advocating for multilateralism, climate justice, and equitable development. Whether it is supporting each other at the UN Human Rights Council or collaborating on COVID-19 vaccine diplomacy, the two nations have consistently shown that global challenges require cooperative responses.
Today, as the international order undergoes a profound transformation, the Pakistan-China partnership offers a beacon of stability. In a world increasingly characterized by strategic unpredictability and great power rivalries, their relationship is anchored in predictability, trust, and mutual benefit. Both countries envision a peaceful, interconnected Asia where economic development is not the privilege of a few, but the right of all.
Pakistan sees China not merely as a strategic ally, but as its closest and most dependable partner. Beijing, in turn, considers Pakistan its gateway to the Islamic world and a trusted friend in a volatile neighborhood. Their cooperation continues to expand into emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, agriculture modernization, green energy, and education exchanges.
As we celebrate the 74th anniversary of diplomatic ties, it is clear that the China-Pakistan bond is more than a product of shared interests—it is a convergence of destinies. Forged in adversity, strengthened by trust, and guided by a common vision, this partnership stands today as a pillar of peace and prosperity in Asia.
The writer is the deputy editor-in-chief, Daily Ittehad Media Group & Pakistan Economic Network.
