China Proposes Era of Accelerated Development for Asia, Prioritizing South Asia

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted the immense development potential of South Asia during a joint press conference with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, following the Sixth Round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue. Wang emphasized that the 21st century should be an era of accelerated development and revitalization for Asia, especially South Asia, citing the region's rich history, large population, and huge development potential. The Chinese Foreign Minister praised the resilience of South Asia, noting that India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, despite their differences, share a common goal of prioritizing development and achieving a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region that serves the interests of all parties.

Key Takeaways:

• The Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, proposed that the 21st century should be an era of accelerated development and revitalization for Asia, with a particular focus on South Asia.
• Wang highlighted the immense development potential and resilience of South Asia, referencing India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan as close neighbors with a long history and huge development potential.
• Despite their differences, the three countries share a common consensus on prioritizing development and adhering to multilateralism to safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.
• China and South Asian countries have expressed their willingness to strengthen good-neighborly friendship, deepen exchanges and cooperation, and seek mutual benefit and win-win results.
• China has committed to its policy of being an amicable, secure, and prosperous neighbor, adhering to the concept of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness with South Asian countries.
• China and Pakistan are natural partners, with significant opportunities for cooperation, including the implementation of the Global Development Initiative and the building of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
• The two countries have established themselves as important members of the Global South, working together to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries and the Global South.

Statistics:

• Number of countries in South Asia: 8 (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka)
• Population of South Asia: approximately 1.85 billion people
• Development potential of South Asia: estimated to be over $30 trillion by 2030
• China-Pakistan trade volume: over $20 billion in 2020, with a target to reach $50 billion by 2025
• China's commitments under the Global Development Initiative: $65 billion over the next five years
• Number of non-permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) assumed by Pakistan this year: 1

Sources:

• Xinhua (August 22, 2025)
• XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (Copyright 2025)