Pakistan and China Celebrate 75 Years of Diplomatic Ties

Pakistan and China are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations, with a series of events and visits planned to mark the occasion. A Chinese delegation, led by Cai Dafeng, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, arrived in Islamabad to attend commemorative activities. The delegation was received by National Assembly Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah and MNA Romina Khurshid Alam, convener of the Pakistan-China Parliamentary Friendship Group. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar addressed the Senate, highlighting the strong relationship between Pakistan and China. "Pakistan and China share a converging vision on regional and global issues," he said. Dar noted that cooperation between the two countries at the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and other international forums had been vital in defending the interests of developing countries and promoting global peace. The foreign minister also announced that he will be accompanying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on a state visit to China from May 23 to 26, during which they will attend celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of Pak-China ties. The visit will include meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, as well as business-to-business meetings. Dar highlighted the joint initiative by Pakistan and China to promote peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East, noting that it reflected a shared sense of responsibility as peace-loving nations to contribute to global security and stability. The deputy prime minister also recalled his visit to China in late March, during which a five-point initiative for a peace plan in the conflict was proposed and accepted by dozens of countries. The relationship between Pakistan and China has grown from strength to strength over the past 75 years, with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) standing as a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative. CPEC has played a key role in transforming Pakistan's economic landscape, and Islamabad looks forward to its next phase, CPEC 2.0, focusing on industrialisation, agriculture, IT, and socio-economic development. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar also spoke on the floor of the Senate, noting that the Pak-China relationship is built on mutual trust, steadfast support, and full respect for each other's sovereignty and core interests. The celebration of 75 years of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China is a significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries, and is expected to further strengthen their economic and strategic partnership.