AT the Invitation of President Xi Jinping, President Asif Ali Zardari visited China from 4 to 8 February 2025 marking an important milestone in the enduring “all-weather strategic cooperative Partnership” between Pakistan and China.

The visit marked the tenth anniversary of President Xi’s historic visit to Pakistan and the signing of momentous agreements for the China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

On behalf of the people and leadership, President Zardari extended a warm invitation to President Xi to visit Pakistan, highlighting the deep respect and admiration the people and the leadership of Pakistan have for President Xi and his visionary and strong leadership.

Pakistan-China friendship has evolved over the past seven decades into a well-rounded relationship based on mutual trust, understanding, and respect. President Zardari’s visit provided an opportunity to reaffirm this partnership and strengthen the “ironclad” relationship between Pakistan and China. The President reiterated in his meeting with President Xi , “Pakistan and China will always be friends–all-weather friends,” firmly dispelling the impression of a chill in relations in recent months, particularly in the light of economic pressures and security concerns, questioning the ‘resilience’ of Pakistan-China longstanding ties. The Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership is not only a product of historical ties but is engrained in the ethos of the people of both nations. This enduring partnership enjoys complete consensus of all sectors of society in both countries, reinforcing its stability and long-term viability.

The two “iron brothers” have maintained a close bond since the establishment of New China in October 1949, rooted in mutual strategic interests and shared ideological frameworks. The 1963 Sino-Pakistan Border Agreement between the two countries marked the beginning of a long-term strategic partnership. Chairman Mao once said, “Pakistan is China’s window to the West”. The foundation laid by the construction of the Karakoram Highway has now transformed into a major connectivity and strategic project China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), launched as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and has truly made Pakistan China’s gateway to the West. Over the years, this relationship has evolved and strengthened, particularly in the wake of changing regional and global dynamics with increasing interest from global powers in South Asia.

This visit was, therefore, not merely a diplomatic formality but a critical engagement aimed at reinforcing bilateral ties amidst pressing domestic and international challenges........

© Pakistan Observer