The recently concluded state visit of Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari to China, from February 4 to 8, 2025, marks another milestone in the time-tested strategic partnership between the two nations. At the invitation of President Xi Jinping, this visit reinforced Pakistan’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation, advancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and expanding collaboration in diverse fields, including trade, infrastructure, energy, defense, and regional security.
At a time when global geopolitical tensions continue to evolve and economic challenges persist, this high-level engagement demonstrated the resilience of Pakistan-China relations. The visit was particularly significant, considering Pakistan’s pressing need for economic revitalization and China’s unwavering support for its economic and infrastructural development.
Strategic Meetings with the Chinese Leadership
During his visit, President Zardari engaged in extensive discussions with both President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. These meetings underscored the enduring nature of the Pakistan-China relationship, often referred to as an “iron-clad friendship.” The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to mutual cooperation and highlighted the importance of strengthening ties in key areas, including trade, investment, security, and connectivity.
A key point of discussion was the deepening of economic collaboration, particularly in light of Pakistan’s economic restructuring efforts and China’s continued investment in infrastructure projects. President Xi expressed confidence in Pakistan’s economic potential and reiterated China’s support for its long-term stability and development. Premier Li also assured Pakistan of China’s commitment to ensuring the success of CPEC and exploring new avenues for investment and technological exchange.
Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)
A number of significant agreements and MoUs were signed during President Zardari’s visit, strengthening cooperation in multiple sectors:
- Economic and Trade Cooperation: Both countries agreed to enhance trade relations, targeting a 20% increase in bilateral trade over the next two years. Efforts will be made to reduce trade barriers, facilitate market access, and expand Pakistani exports to China.
- Energy Collaboration: An MoU was signed to initiate a coal gasification and urea production plant in Sindh, aiming to enhance Pakistan’s energy security and agricultural productivity. This project is expected to reduce reliance on expensive imported fertilizers and lower production costs for farmers.
- Infrastructure Development: Agreements were reached to upgrade Pakistan’s railway network and further develop the Gwadar port. These projects, key components of CPEC, are expected to significantly improve regional connectivity and economic activity.
- Defense and Security Cooperation: Discussions also focused on strengthening defense cooperation and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to combat terrorism. China reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, particularly in ensuring the security of CPEC projects.
Advancements in CPEC: A Shared Vision for Progress
CPEC remains the cornerstone of Pakistan-China economic cooperation, and its advancement was a focal point of the visit. Since its inception in 2013, CPEC has transformed Pakistan’s infrastructure landscape, with over $25 billion invested in energy and transport projects.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with CPEC’s progress and reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating ongoing projects. The discussions focused on the transition to CPEC Phase 2.0, which aims to expand cooperation beyond infrastructure into technology, agriculture, and socio-economic development.
One of the key takeaways from the visit was the renewed commitment to expedite the completion of special economic zones (SEZs) under CPEC. These SEZs are expected to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), create employment opportunities, and boost Pakistan’s manufacturing sector. Additionally, China pledged support for Pakistan’s emerging technology sector, particularly in digital economy initiatives and telecommunications.
Invitation to Chinese Leadership: Strengthening Bilateral Engagement
In a move to further cement ties, President Zardari extended an invitation to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang to visit Pakistan. Such high-level visits have historically played a crucial role in strengthening bilateral relations and paving the way for new initiatives. The invitation underscores Pakistan’s eagerness to continue fostering a close relationship with China, particularly in the face of evolving regional dynamics.
Significance and Positive Outcomes of the Visit
President Zardari’s visit to China carries profound significance for both nations. For Pakistan, it provided an opportunity to secure economic assurances, attract investment, and reaffirm its role as a key partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). For China, the visit reinforced its strategic commitment to Pakistan as a trusted regional ally and economic partner.
One of the most critical outcomes of the visit was the reaffirmation of Pakistan’s importance in China’s regional policy. In an era of shifting global alliances, China views Pakistan as a crucial partner in ensuring regional stability and trade connectivity. The visit also underscored China’s continued interest in helping Pakistan navigate its economic challenges through investment-driven growth and industrial cooperation.
Moreover, Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the security of Chinese investments, particularly CPEC-related projects, was emphasized. This comes amid concerns over security threats in certain regions, and Pakistan assured China of its resolve to provide a secure and conducive environment for Chinese enterprises operating in the country.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Pakistan-China Relations
The visit reaffirmed the fact that Pakistan-China relations are built on mutual trust, shared interests, and a vision for collective prosperity. Moving forward, the focus must be on implementing the agreements signed, ensuring timely completion of infrastructure projects, and diversifying economic cooperation.
While CPEC remains the flagship initiative, there is a growing need to explore new sectors of collaboration, including high-tech industries, green energy, and agricultural modernization. China’s expertise in digital transformation and artificial intelligence presents a valuable opportunity for Pakistan to enhance its technological capabilities and become a competitive player in the global digital economy.
Additionally, the visit highlighted the importance of maintaining a balanced foreign policy. While Pakistan remains committed to strengthening ties with China, it must also engage constructively with other regional and global partners to maximize economic opportunities and ensure strategic autonomy.
President Zardari’s visit to China has reinforced the unwavering bond between the two nations and set the stage for deeper economic, strategic, and technological collaboration. The agreements signed, the discussions held, and the reaffirmation of mutual commitment all signal a promising future for Pakistan-China relations.
As both countries navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, their partnership will remain a key pillar of regional stability and economic progress. With the successful conclusion of this visit, Pakistan and China have once again demonstrated that their relationship is not just a diplomatic formality but a strategic alliance built on trust, cooperation, and a shared vision for the future.
巴基斯坦总统扎尔达里于2025年2月4日至8日刚刚结束对中国的国事访问，这是两国久经考验的战略伙伴关系的又一个里程碑。
在全球地缘政治紧张局势持续演变、经济挑战持续存在之际，这种高层接触显示了巴中关系的韧性。考虑到巴基斯坦经济振兴的迫切需要和中国对其经济和基础设施建设的坚定支持，此访具有特别重要的意义。
与中国领导人举行战略会晤
这些会晤强调了巴中关系的持久性，这种关系通常被称为“坚不可摧的友谊”。两国领导人重申致力于相互合作，强调在贸易、投资、安全、互联互通等关键领域加强合作的重要性。
讨论的一个重点是深化经济合作，特别是考虑到巴基斯坦的经济结构调整努力和中国对基础设施项目的持续投资。
协议及谅解备忘录（mou）
在扎尔达里总统访问期间，双方签署了多项重要协议和谅解备忘录，加强了多个领域的合作：
经贸合作：两国同意加强贸易关系，目标是在未来两年内使双边贸易增长20%。双方将努力减少贸易壁垒，放宽市场准入，扩大巴基斯坦对华出口。
能源合作：双方签署了一份谅解备忘录，在信德省启动一个煤气化和尿素生产厂，旨在加强巴基斯坦的能源安全和农业生产力。该项目预计将减少对昂贵的进口肥料的依赖，并降低农民的生产成本。
基础设施发展：双方就升级巴基斯坦铁路网和进一步发展瓜达尔港达成协议。这些项目是中巴经济走廊的关键组成部分，有望显著改善地区互联互通和经济活动。
防务与安全合作：讨论还集中在加强防务合作和情报共享机制以打击恐怖主义。中方重申支持巴方反恐努力，特别是确保中巴经济走廊项目安全。
推进中巴经济走廊：追求进步的共同愿景
中巴经济走廊是巴中经济合作的基石，推进中巴经济走廊建设是此访的重点。自2013年启动以来，中巴经济走廊改变了巴基斯坦的基础设施格局，在能源和交通项目上的投资超过250亿美元。
双方对中巴经济走廊建设取得的进展表示满意，重申致力于加快在建项目建设。讨论的重点是向中巴经济走廊2.0阶段过渡，该阶段旨在将合作从基础设施扩展到技术、农业和社会经济发展。
这次访问的一个重要收获是再次承诺加快完成中巴经济走廊下的经济特区（SEZs）。这些经济特区预计将吸引外国直接投资（FDI），创造就业机会，并促进巴基斯坦制造业的发展。此外，中国承诺支持巴基斯坦新兴的技术部门，特别是在数字经济倡议和电信方面。
邀请中国领导人：加强双边接触
历史上，这种高层互访在加强双边关系和为新倡议铺平道路方面发挥了关键作用。这一邀请突显了巴基斯坦继续与中国建立密切关系的渴望，尤其是在面临不断变化的地区动态的情况下。
访问的意义和积极成果
扎尔达里总统此次访华对两国意义深远。对巴基斯坦来说，这提供了一个获得经济保障、吸引投资并重申其作为中国“一带一路”倡议关键合作伙伴角色的机会。对中国而言，此次访问强化了其对巴基斯坦作为一个值得信赖的地区盟友和经济伙伴的战略承诺。
此次访问最重要的成果之一是重申了巴基斯坦在中国地区政策中的重要性。在全球联盟不断变化的时代，中国视巴基斯坦为确保地区稳定和贸易互联互通的重要伙伴。此次访问还突显出，中国仍有兴趣通过投资驱动型增长和工业合作，帮助巴基斯坦应对经济挑战。
此外，巴基斯坦承诺确保中国投资的安全，特别是中巴经济走廊相关项目的安全。目前，巴方对某些地区的安全威胁感到担忧。巴方向中方保证，决心为中国企业在巴经营提供安全、有利的环境。
展望未来：巴中关系的未来
这次访问重申了巴中关系是建立在相互信任、共同利益和共同繁荣的愿景之上的。下一步，重点是落实已签署的协议，确保按时完成基础设施项目，实现经济合作的多元化。
尽管中巴经济走廊仍是旗舰倡议，但越来越需要探索新的合作领域，包括高科技产业、绿色能源和农业现代化。中国在数字化转型和人工智能方面的专业知识为巴基斯坦提高技术能力，成为全球数字经济中具有竞争力的参与者提供了宝贵机会。
此外，此次访问还强调了保持平衡外交政策的重要性。尽管巴基斯坦仍然致力于加强与中国的关系，但它也必须与其他地区和全球伙伴进行建设性接触，以最大限度地扩大经济机会并确保战略自主。
扎尔达里总统对中国的访问加强了两国之间坚定不移的联系，为深化经济、战略和技术合作奠定了基础。双方签署了协议，进行了讨论，重申了共同承诺，这些都标志着巴中关系的美好未来。
随着两国应对日益复杂的地缘政治形势，两国的伙伴关系仍将是地区稳定和经济发展的关键支柱。这次访问的圆满结束，再次表明中巴关系不是形式上的外交关系，而是建立在信任、合作和对未来愿景基础上的战略联盟。
( 注意： 本文是用AI翻译的，或有误差。请以原版英文为准。谢谢。)
Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist, Diplomat, Editor, Analyst, Advisor, Consultant, Researcher at Global South Economic and Trade Cooperation Research Center, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG. (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).