Pakistan has formally marked the 75th anniversary of its diplomatic relations with China, with the nation’s top leadership reaffirming a bond they describe as a model of strategic cooperation and enduring friendship.
President Asif Ali Zardari, on behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, extended warm felicitations to President Xi Jinping and the people of China. In his message, the President characterized the bilateral relationship as a “remarkable example of enduring friendship and strategic cooperation.”
A Strategic Partnership Evolving Over Decades
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also issued a heartfelt message of congratulations, noting that since the establishment of diplomatic ties on May 21, 1951, the relationship has steadily evolved into an “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that these relations are built upon sovereign equality, mutual trust, and shared aspirations for development and peace. He highlighted that the partnership has continued to grow in strategic significance and substance, even amidst shifting global and regional circumstances.
Within his message, Prime Minister Sharif commended the Chinese leadership’s commitment to strengthening ties and advancing the vision of a “Pakistan-China Community of Shared Future in the New Era.” He further affirmed Pakistan’s firm commitment to the One-China principle and its continued support for China’s core interests.
Economic Integration and CPEC’s Next Phase
A central pillar of the relationship remains the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Prime Minister identified CPEC as a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, noting its “phenomenal role” and “tremendous contribution” to several key areas:
- Infrastructure development
- Energy security
- Industrial cooperation
- Regional connectivity
As CPEC enters its next phase, the Prime Minister stated that Pakistan remains committed to high-quality development. This upcoming stage may place a greater emphasis on green development, industrialization, agriculture, information technology, science and technology, and enhanced people-centered cooperation.
Beyond traditional infrastructure, the Prime Minister noted that cooperation is expanding into “new frontiers.” These potential areas of growth include the digital economy, innovation, education, cultural exchanges, and space cooperation. He cited the progression from the Karakoram Highway to cooperation in outer space as evidence of how strategic trust can translate into shared prosperity.
Global Stability and Public Commemoration
Addressing the broader international landscape, Prime Minister Sharif remarked that the 75th anniversary is an opportunity for “shaping the future.” He stated that in a period of increasing global transformation and uncertainty, both nations remain committed to inclusive development, peaceful coexistence, and multilateralism, serving as a positive force for international cooperation and regional stability.
The Prime Minister also expressed appreciation for President Xi Jinping’s leadership and China’s achievements in global connectivity, poverty alleviation, technological advancement, and economic development.
Commemorative Coin Issue
To mark this historic milestone, the State Bank of Pakistan has announced the issuance of a seventy-five rupees commemorative coin. According to a statement from the SBP, the coin will be available to the general public starting Monday.
