China and Pakistan Strengthen Diplomatic Ties on 74th Anniversary

Strategic Insights -

China and Pakistan on Wednesday reaffirmed their strong diplomatic ties as they celebrated the 74th anniversary of the establishment of their relations. The ceremony took place at the Silk Road Cultural Centre, where China's Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Jiang Zaidong, condemned a recent terrorist attack on a school bus in Balochistan that killed six people, including four girl students, the bus driver, and a helper, leaving several injured. The ambassador reiterated China's support for Pakistan's counter-terrorism operations and social stability, and pledged to continue supporting the country in advancing its national development.

Key Takeaways:

  • China and Pakistan have maintained an "all-weather friendship" for 74 years, achieving comprehensive cooperation and setting a shining example for state-to-state relations.
  • China has consistently supported Pakistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, pursuing a development path suited to national conditions, combating terrorism, and maintaining unity and stability.
  • Pakistan has consistently adhered to the one-China principle, standing firmly with China on issues concerning core interests.
  • China has been Pakistan's largest trading partner for ten consecutive years, serving as the largest source of imports, the second-largest export destination, and primary source of foreign investment.
  • The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have fully reflected the Silk Road Spirit, characterized by peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, mutual learning and benefit.
  • China and Pakistan will continue to accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future in the New Era and jointly create a brighter future for their relations.

Statistics:

  • 74 years: the length of time since China and Pakistan established diplomatic relations.
  • 10 consecutive years: China has been Pakistan's largest trading partner.
  • 6: the number of people killed in the terrorist attack in Balochistan.
  • 4: the number of girl students who died in the attack.
  • 2: the number of people who survived the attack.
  • $60 billion: the estimated value of investments made in CPEC projects.
  • 100,000 jobs: the number of jobs created by CPEC in Pakistan.

Sources:

  • Mr. Jiang Zaidong, China's Ambassador to Pakistan.
  • Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan.
  • Various reports from the ceremony held at the Silk Road Cultural Centre.