President Zardari Reaffirms Pakistan-China Friendship Amid Growing CPEC Security Concerns
Beijing, The Gulf Observer: On Wednesday, President Asif Ali Zardari reassured Chinese President Xi Jinping that Pakistan’s enduring relationship with China, described as a “long-standing and all-weather friendship,” would remain unshaken by recent militant attacks, as both nations advanced plans for the next phase of the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Zardari made the remarks during a high-level meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where he and President Xi discussed pressing security concerns, as well as expanding economic cooperation through CPEC. The meeting came amidst rising concerns over the safety of Chinese workers involved in CPEC projects in Pakistan, some of whom have been targeted in recent attacks.
Acknowledging the challenges faced in the bilateral relationship, Zardari expressed unwavering commitment to strengthening ties with China, saying, “Pakistan and China will always be friends, all-weather friends. No matter how many terrors, how many issues crop up in the world, I will stand, and the Pakistani people will stand with the people of China.”
The two leaders also focused on the upcoming phase of CPEC, referred to as CPEC 2.0. This next stage aims to expand beyond transport and energy infrastructure, focusing instead on industrialisation, agricultural modernisation, and regional partnerships. CPEC 2.0 is aligned with China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and will emphasize enhancing connectivity and cooperation with third countries.
Originally launched in 2013, the first phase of CPEC concentrated on transport and energy infrastructure, including the development of the Gwadar Port. The new phase seeks to drive economic growth and improve cooperation between Pakistan, China, and regional partners, with a particular focus on people-to-people exchanges and cultural connections.
Xi Jinping highlighted the strength and durability of the bilateral relationship, stating, “China and Pakistan have set a model for relations between two countries by advancing the construction of CPEC and cooperation in various fields.”
The leaders also marked the recent opening of a Chinese-funded $230 million airport in Gwadar, the largest in Pakistan. This development, which is part of the broader CPEC vision, faced delays due to escalating attacks by separatist groups in Balochistan, a region that has been the site of several assaults on international projects, including those involving China.
The airport, along with the Gwadar Port, is key to facilitating trade routes from Pakistan’s southwestern coast to China’s Xinjiang region, enhancing the connectivity of the broader economic corridor.
Xi reiterated China’s commitment to ongoing cooperation with Pakistan on their respective paths of modernization and development through CPEC. Zardari, in turn, extended a formal invitation to Xi to visit Pakistan, reflecting the strong admiration for the Chinese leader in his country.
The meeting concluded with the signing of several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) designed to further collaboration in areas such as science and technology, clean energy, socio-economic development, and media. A state banquet was held in honor of the Pakistani delegation following the discussions.
