Chinese Modernization and Pakistan-China Relations: A Joint Seminar at the Chinese Consulate Karachi

Strategic Insights -

In a recent seminar co-hosted by the Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR) and the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China, experts and dignitaries gathered to discuss "Chinese Modernization and Pakistan-China Relations" at the Chinese Consulate Karachi. The event marked the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's historic visit to Pakistan, ushering in a new era of bilateral relations between the two nations. The seminar explored the impacts of China's modernization on global politics, economy, and technology, with a focus on the opportunities and challenges presented by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Key Takeaways:

  • China's modernization has promoted high-quality development and has joined hands with Pakistan on the path towards shared prosperity, advancing together and mutually reinforcing each other's progress.
  • The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a promise of nation-building and co-progressiveness, offering equal opportunities of growth for all nations in a world where block politics has become outdated.
  • China's technological rise has led to positive and negative responses from other countries, with China emerging as a leading player in technologies such as 5G, AI, and Semiconductors.
  • Pakistan has largely benefited from projects under CPEC and technology support in the agri-sector, and is exploring deeper economic ties with China to mitigate the impact of US tariffs.
  • Chinese modernization has had profound and wide-reaching impacts on Asia, shaping economic, political, and geopolitical dynamics across the region.
  • CPEC is not only an economic corridor but an integrated economic uplift program for Pakistan, offering opportunities for benefiting from Chinese modernization.
  • The US's reaction to China's modernization has been more than normal, and Pakistan and China stand tall with each other, supporting each other in every situation and sharing a future characterized by mutual respect, growth, and progress.

Statistics:

  • China's modernization has contributed to high-quality development, joining hands with Pakistan on the path towards shared prosperity.
  • The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) covers 139 countries and has a total investment of around $1 trillion.
  • China's trade with Pakistan has grown from $2.1 billion in 2008 to over $15 billion in 2019.
  • The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has invested in major infrastructure projects, including energy, transportation, and communication.
  • CPEC has created over 70,000 jobs in Pakistan and has contributed to infrastructure, energy, and trade development.
  • China's technological rise has led to the development of major technologies, including 5G, AI, and Semiconductors.

Sources:

  • "Chinese Modernization and Pakistan-China Relations" seminar, jointly hosted by PCFR and the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China.
  • Yang Yundong, Consul General of China in Karachi.
  • Irfan Soomro, Director General, Foreign Affairs' Liaison Office Karachi.
  • Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Former Governor State Bank and Finance Minister of Pakistan.
  • Ambassador G R Baluch.
  • Ambassador Hasan Habib.
  • Prof. Zhang Jiegen, Fudan University, Shanghai.
  • Zubair Tufail, Chairman PCFR.