President Asif Ali Zardari’s latest visit to China has marked a new phase in Pakistan-China ties, producing major breakthroughs in defence, energy, and economic cooperation.
Six MoUs Signed Across Key Sectors
During the trip, six memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed with the Sindh government and business partners, covering agriculture, energy, industrial development, waste recycling, and modern farming practices. One key project includes Pakistan’s first coal gasification and fertiliser plant in Thar, which will diversify the energy mix and boost agricultural output. Agreements on livestock modernisation, textile industrial parks, and emergency equipment supply were also finalised.
Defence Cooperation: Milestone at AVIC
Senator Saleem Mandviwala, speaking at a press conference alongside Presidential Spokesperson Murtaza Solangi, highlighted that President Zardari became the first foreign head of state to tour China’s Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC). He was briefed on the J-10 fighter, JF-17 Thunder co-production, UAV technologies, and the J-20 stealth aircraft. This milestone, Mandviwala said, could pave the way for Pakistan to secure advanced defence technologies from China.
Symbolic Firsts: Visit to Kashgar and Beyond
The visit also carried symbolic importance as President Zardari became the first Pakistani head of state to visit Kashgar, underscoring Beijing’s commitment to regional connectivity. His tour further extended to Shanghai, Urumqi, and Sichuan, with engagements focused on agriculture, biotechnology, transportation, and education.
CPEC Phase-II Formally Launched
Officials noted that the agreements are designed to benefit all provinces and reaffirmed discussions on reinvigorating the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). They also stressed that the Chinese leadership expressed satisfaction with Pakistan’s operational successes in counterterrorism efforts using Chinese-made aircraft.
Presidential Spokesperson Murtaza Solangi underlined that the visit coincided with the 14th meeting of the CPEC Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) in Beijing, which formally launched CPEC Phase-II. The new phase is centred on people-oriented growth, innovation, and export-led development.
During a follow-up meeting in Karachi, Chinese Consul General Yang Yundong congratulated President Zardari, describing the visit as a milestone in strengthening the all-weather friendship. The president, in turn, credited the Chinese leadership’s hospitality and stressed that the new projects would directly benefit Pakistan’s farmers and industries while opening avenues for broader national progress.
President Zardari also extended felicitations to China on its upcoming National Day, wishing peace and prosperity to its people.
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