Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Thursday. The high-level meeting highlighted the pivotal role of Pakistan’s military in ensuring national stability and fostering the China-Pakistan strategic partnership.
Wang termed the Pakistani army “the foundation of national stability and a staunch defender of China-Pakistan friendship and cooperation,” praising its continuous support in implementing the leadership consensus between the two countries.
Focus on CPEC 2.0 and Strategic Cooperation
During the discussion, both leaders underlined the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0 upgrade, aimed at enhancing infrastructure, trade, and regional connectivity. Wang stated:
“The Pakistani military has always supported both sides in earnestly implementing the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepening strategic mutual trust at a higher level, and jointly building the ‘version 2.0’ upgrade of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor with high quality, contributing to accelerating the building of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.”
Munir emphasised that China is Pakistan’s “iron-clad friend,” and highlighted the military’s commitment to counter-terrorism cooperation and the security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions across Pakistan.
Regional Peace and Stability Priority
Wang stressed that deepening China-Pakistan ties is crucial in today’s rapidly changing global landscape. He said,
“Facing the rapid global changes unseen in a century and growing instability and uncertainties, promoting a strong China-Pakistan relationship is conducive to maintaining regional peace and stability.”
He added that China has always prioritised Pakistan in its neighbourhood diplomacy, and the relationship between the two nations has “withstood the test of time and become even stronger.”
Mutual Commitment to Security and Development
Munir expressed gratitude for China’s long-term support in Pakistan’s economic and social development and reiterated the military’s willingness to maintain security, contribute to counterterrorism, and consolidate the all-weather strategic partnership.
Wang also welcomed Pakistan’s greater role in international affairs and reiterated Beijing’s support for Islamabad in safeguarding territorial integrity and national security.
Parallel Meetings with PM Shehbaz Sharif
During his Islamabad visit, Wang Yi also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who expressed anticipation of attending the SCO Tianjin Summit and the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance. Shehbaz highlighted the unique and “all-weather” nature of Pakistan-China cooperation across all sectors and reiterated Pakistan’s focus on ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals.
Wang reaffirmed China’s support for Pakistan in combating terrorism and creating a favourable environment for national development and bilateral cooperation.
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