Pakistan, China reaffirm support for each other on core issues

Beijing: Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their unyielding support for each other on issues concerning their respective core interests. 

The commitment was underscored in a joint communiqué issued following the Seventh Round of China–Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

According to the communique, China reiterated its steadfast support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. China supported Pakistan in firmly combating terrorism and playing a bigger role in international and regional affairs.      

Pakistan reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China principle, and reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory. Pakistan also firmly supported China on issues concerning Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea.

They reiterated to further promote their ironclad ties, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and continue to strengthen strategic cooperation to break new ground and set new goals in their All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

During the dialogue, the two sides announced the launch of commemorative activities this year celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, emphasizing this will serve as an opportunity to consolidate China-Pakistan friendship and expand new areas of cooperation.

The two sides reiterated that China and Pakistan are All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partners enjoying ironclad friendship and strategic mutual trust. It was noted that the sound and robust growth of China-Pakistan relations is of great strategic significance for regional peace, stability and development. 

At the strategic dialogue, China commended the comprehensive measures taken by Pakistan to combat terrorism and protect the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan.  China fully recognized the significant contributions and huge sacrifices that Pakistan made in combating terrorism over the years.

The two sides reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with zero tolerance, and agreed to further deepen all-round cooperation on counter-terrorism and security, and make concerted efforts to ensure that the China-Pakistan Belt and Road cooperation advance in a secure and smooth manner.

The two sides agreed to further align their development plans and priorities, and build an upgraded version 2.0 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is a pioneering project of Belt and Road Initiative.

They agreed to focus on the three key sectors of industry, agriculture and mining, promote the building and operation of the Gwadar Port, ensure the smooth passage of the Karakoram Highway, and enhance Pakistan’s capacity for sustainable development. The two sides will deepen cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, information technology, science and technology, cybersecurity, technical and vocational training and education, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges. They welcomed third-party participation in CPEC cooperation that conforms to the modalities set by China and Pakistan.

The two sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in the financial and banking sectors, including extending mutual support at regional and international multilateral financial forums.

Both the countries expressed satisfaction at their expanding space cooperation and for the expected early entrance of Pakistani astronauts into the China Space Station. They agreed to explore space in a peaceful and mutually beneficial manner for greater economic and social development and prosperity.

The two sides emphasized the importance of a South Asian regional order underpinned by the U.N. Charter, international law, and the basic norms governing international relations. They reiterated opposition to any unilateral actions, and reaffirmed the significance of maintaining peace and stability in South Asia and the necessity of resolving all outstanding disputes through dialogue and consultation.

China reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir dispute is left over from history, and should be properly and peacefully resolved in accordance with the U.N. Charter, relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, their support for multilateralism and free trade, and their opposition to hegemonism, bullying behaviours violating national sovereignty of other countries, the forming of “small circles” and bloc confrontation.

The two sides agreed to keep in close communication and coordination on the Afghan issue, work with the international community to encourage the Afghan government to build an inclusive political framework, adopt moderate policies, focus on development, pursue good-neighborliness, and play a constructive role in helping Afghanistan achieve stable development and integrate into the international community.

The two sides called for more visible and verifiable actions to dismantle and eliminate all terrorist organizations based in Afghanistan which continue to pose serious threats to regional and global security, and prevent terrorist organizations from using the Afghan territory for terrorism against any other country.