China-Pakistan unique friendship: A model of timeless trust and strategic partnership 中巴独特友谊：永恒互信和战略伙伴关系的典范

（下边有中文翻译请继续看到底。 谢谢。）

The China-Pakistan friendship stands as one of the most remarkable and enduring examples of international relations in the modern era. Since the formal establishment of diplomatic ties on May 21, 1951, and even before—with the first official Pakistani delegation visiting China on Jan. 4, 1950—this bilateral relationship has steadily evolved into what both nations proudly describe as an “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.” Rooted in deep trust, mutual respect, and convergence of interests, the China-Pakistan friendship is rightly termed “higher than mountains, deeper than oceans, stronger than steel and sweeter than honey.”

This unique bond transcends political changes, geographical challenges, and global uncertainties. It is not merely a relationship between two governments but a heart-to-heart connection between two peoples. At every crucial juncture of their histories, China and Pakistan have stood by each other, supporting one another with sincerity and solidarity.

Foundations of the friendship

When Pakistan recognized the People’s Republic of China soon after its establishment in 1949, it was among the first countries to do so. This bold and visionary step laid the groundwork for a friendship that has only grown stronger over the decades.

The formal establishment of diplomatic ties in 1951 opened a new chapter, leading to a series of landmark agreements, high-level visits, and collaborative projects. Since then, China and Pakistan have navigated together through regional tensions, global realignments, and domestic transformations—always with trust and mutual understanding.

Landmark agreements and high-level exchanges

Over the years, several significant agreements have cemented this friendship:

· 1963 Boundary Agreement: A peaceful resolution of the border between Pakistan and China, setting a model for regional diplomacy.

· 2005 Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good-Neighborly Relations: Institutionalized the long-standing strategic partnership.

High-level visits have been a hallmark of the relationship:

· Premier Zhou Enlai’s visit to Pakistan in 1964 was a turning point, marking the start of regular political exchanges.

· President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Pakistan in April 2015 elevated the relationship to an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, and the two countries agreed to form a “1+4” cooperation structure with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) at the center and the Gwadar Port, transport infrastructure, energy and industrial cooperation being the four key areas to achieve a win-win result and common development.

· Frequent exchanges between the presidents, prime ministers, foreign ministers, and military leaderships of both countries have kept the relationship dynamic and responsive to contemporary needs.

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: A flagship of cooperation

Perhaps the most visible and transformative symbol of the China-Pakistan friendship is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Launched under the umbrella of President Xi Jinping’s visionary Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), CPEC is a game-changer for Pakistan’s economy and regional connectivity.

CPEC is not just an economic project; it is a symbol of China’s unwavering commitment to Pakistan’s development and prosperity.

Trade, investment, and economic collaboration

China is Pakistan’s largest trading partner and a key investor in major sectors. Bilateral trade has grown consistently, reaching $20.76 billion in 2023.

The Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA)—signed in 2006 and upgraded in 2019—has facilitated this growth, making trade more balanced and diversified.

Chinese investments in Pakistan cover:

· Telecommunications and ICT

· Automobiles and Electronics

· Banking and Finance

· Real Estate and Construction

· Green Energy and Climate Change

The two nations are also working closely on digital economy cooperation, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence, ensuring future-proof collaboration.

Strategic, political, and defense cooperation

· China and Pakistan enjoy a unique and time-tested strategic partnership. Their defense ties are robust and mutually beneficial.

· China fully understands Pakistan’s legitimate security concerns and supports Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty and security interests, while Pakistan firmly supports all efforts made by China to achieve national reunification and resolutely opposes all forms of “Taiwan independence.” Pakistan also firmly supports China on issues related to Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea.

· At international forums such as the United Nations, SCO, and BRICS Plus, both nations back each other, advocating for peaceful development, non-interference, and multilateralism.

China has always recognized Pakistan as a vital partner for regional peace and stability, particularly in the context of Afghanistan, counter-terrorism, and regional integration.

Support in times of need

China has consistently stood by Pakistan in moments of national crisis:

· During the 2005 earthquake, 2010 floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic, China was the first responder with aid, equipment, and personnel.

· China’s support during economic crises, including currency swaps, loans, and debt rollovers, has helped Pakistan stabilize its economy.

· In times of international pressure or diplomatic isolation, China has been Pakistan’s unshakable friend and advocate.

Similarly, Pakistan has always been vocal and proactive in supporting China, reaffirming the mutual nature of their trust and loyalty.

People-to-people and cultural bonds

Beyond strategic and economic ties, China and Pakistan share a growing people-to-people friendship:

· Thousands of Pakistani students are studying in China on scholarships.

· Cultural exchanges, Confucius Institutes, academic partnerships, and media cooperation are flourishing.

· Joint film productions, art exhibitions, and tourism initiatives are building mutual understanding and cultural empathy.

The two peoples express genuine warmth for each other. The term “Iron Brothers” is not diplomatic rhetoric—it reflects heartfelt mutual admiration.

A model of Global South cooperation

In a world increasingly marked by power rivalries and mistrust, the China-Pakistan friendship offers a refreshing model of peaceful, respectful, and cooperative international engagement.

Their relationship is built not on transactional deals but on a long-standing alignment of values:

· Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity

· Win-win cooperation and peaceful development

· Shared commitment to modernization and poverty alleviation

· Common vision for regional connectivity and South-South solidarity

Both countries are working together on global initiatives such as:

· Global Development Initiative (GDI)

· Global Security Initiative (GSI)

· Global Civilization Initiative (GCI)

These represent a shared aspiration for a more just, inclusive, and multipolar world order.

Strategic importance in a changing world

The China-Pakistan relationship has significant implications for regional and global geopolitics:

· It serves as a stabilizing factor in South Asia, promoting dialogue and connectivity.

· It enhances China’s access to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, strengthening regional trade and energy security.

· It offers Pakistan a gateway to Central Asia, Africa, and beyond, via the BRI framework.

As great power competition intensifies, the China-Pakistan partnership remains non-aligned, constructive, and future-oriented, focused on development, peace, and mutual benefit.

A bond beyond time and borders

74 years after establishing diplomatic ties, the China-Pakistan relationship has grown into one of the most durable, resilient, and multi-dimensional partnerships in the world. It has successfully adapted to changing times without losing its foundational spirit of trust, mutual respect, and shared destiny.

This unique friendship is not just for today—it is for generations to come. It is not based on short-term gains but on deep-rooted principles and shared dreams. As both countries march forward in their journeys of rejuvenation and modernization, their path will continue to be shared.

The China-Pakistan relationship is not only a cornerstone of regional stability but also a beacon for what true international friendship can and should look like in the 21st century.

Long live Pakistan-China traditional friendship—may it grow even stronger with each passing day.

中巴友谊是当代国际关系中最杰出、最经久不衰的典范之一。自1951年5月21日正式建立外交关系以来，甚至在此之前，随着1950年1月4日第一个巴基斯坦官方代表团访问中国，这种双边关系已经稳步发展为两国自豪地称之为“全天候战略合作伙伴关系”。中巴友谊建立在相互信任、相互尊重、利益交融的基础上，“比山高、比海深、比钢强、比蜜甜”。

这种独特的纽带超越了政治变化、地理挑战和全球不确定性。这不仅是两国政府之间的关系，也是两国人民之间的心灵联系。在历史的每一个关键时刻，中巴始终相互支持，真诚相待，团结一致。

友谊的基础

1949年中华人民共和国成立不久，巴基斯坦就承认了中华人民共和国，是最早承认中华人民共和国的国家之一。这一大胆而富有远见的举措为两国的友谊奠定了基础，这种友谊在过去几十年里日益牢固。

1951年，两国正式建立外交关系，开启了新的篇章，双方达成了一系列具有里程碑意义的协议、高层互访和合作项目。从那时起，中国和巴基斯坦一直在相互信任和理解的基础上，共同应对地区紧张局势、全球格局调整和国内转型。

里程碑式的协议和高层交往

多年来，几项重要协议巩固了这种友谊：

1963年边界协议：和平解决巴基斯坦和中国之间的边界问题，为地区外交树立了典范。

·2005年签订睦邻友好合作条约：将长期战略伙伴关系机制化。

高层互访是两国关系的重要标志。

·周恩来总理1964年对巴基斯坦的访问是一个转折点，标志着两国开始了定期的政治交流。

·两国总统、总理、外长和军方领导人频繁交往，使两国关系保持活力，适应时代需要。

中巴经济走廊：中巴合作的旗舰

也许中巴友谊最明显、最具变革性的标志就是中巴经济走廊。

中巴经济走廊不仅仅是一个经济项目；它象征着中国对巴基斯坦发展和繁荣的坚定承诺。

贸易、投资和经济合作

中国是巴基斯坦最大的贸易伙伴，也是巴基斯坦主要领域的重要投资国。双边贸易额持续增长，2023年达到207.6亿美元。

2006年签署并于2019年升级的巴中自由贸易协定促进了这一增长，使贸易更加平衡和多样化。

中国在巴基斯坦的投资包括：

·电信和信息通信技术

·汽车与电子

·银行与金融

·房地产和建筑

·绿色能源与气候变化

两国还在数字经济合作、电子商务、人工智能等领域密切合作，确保面向未来的合作。

战略、政治和防务合作

·中巴是久经考验的独特战略伙伴关系。两国的防务关系是稳固和互利的。

·中方充分理解巴方合理安全关切，支持巴方维护国家主权和安全利益。巴方坚定支持中方为实现国家统一所做的一切努力，坚决反对一切形式的“台独”。巴基斯坦在涉疆、涉西藏、涉香港、涉南海等问题上也坚定支持中国。

·在联合国、上海合作组织、金砖+等国际论坛上，各国相互支持，倡导和平发展、不干涉内政、多边主义。

中方一贯认为巴基斯坦是维护地区和平与稳定，特别是在阿富汗、反恐、地区一体化等领域的重要伙伴。

在需要的时候提供战略、政治和防务合作

·中巴是久经考验的独特战略伙伴关系。两国的防务关系是稳固和互利的。

·中方充分理解巴方合理安全关切，支持巴方维护国家主权和安全利益。巴方坚定支持中方为实现国家统一所做的一切努力，坚决反对一切形式的“台独”。巴基斯坦在涉疆、涉西藏、涉香港、涉南海等问题上也坚定支持中国。

·在联合国、上海合作组织、金砖+等国际论坛上，各国相互支持，倡导和平发展、不干涉内政、多边主义。

中方一贯认为巴基斯坦是维护地区和平与稳定，特别是在阿富汗、反恐、地区一体化等领域的重要伙伴。

在需要的时候提供支持

在巴基斯坦面临国家危机的时刻，中国始终支持巴基斯坦。

·在2005年地震、2010年洪水和2019冠状病毒病大流行期间，中国是第一个提供援助、设备和人员的国家。

·中国在经济危机期间的支持，包括货币互换、贷款和债务展期，帮助巴基斯坦稳定了经济。

·在国际压力和外交孤立时期，中国都是巴基斯坦不可动摇的朋友和支持者。

同样，巴方也一贯直言不讳、积极主动地支持中国，重申了两国相互信任和忠诚的本质。

人文纽带

除了战略和经济关系，中巴两国人民之间的友谊也日益深厚。

·数千名巴基斯坦学生获得奖学金在中国学习。

·文化交流、孔子学院、学术合作、媒体合作蓬勃发展。

·联合电影制作、艺术展览和旅游倡议正在建立相互理解和文化共鸣。

这两个人对彼此表达了真诚的热情。“铁兄弟”一词不是外交辞令——它反映了发自内心的相互钦佩。

全球南方合作的典范

在一个权力对抗和不信任日益突出的世界，中巴友谊为和平、尊重和合作的国际交往提供了一种新的模式。

他们的关系不是建立在交易上，而是建立在长期一致的价值观上。

·尊重主权和领土完整

·合作共赢、和平发展

·共同致力于现代化建设和减贫

·区域互联互通和南南团结的共同愿景

两国正就全球倡议开展合作，例如：

·全球发展倡议（GDI）

·全球安全倡议（GSI）

·全球文明倡议（GCI）

这代表了对更加公正、包容和多极世界秩序的共同愿望。

在不断变化的世界中的战略重要性

中巴关系对地区和全球地缘政治具有重要影响：

·它是南亚地区的稳定因素，促进对话和互联互通。

·增强中国进入阿拉伯海和印度洋的通道，加强区域贸易和能源安全。

·它通过“一带一路”框架为巴基斯坦提供了通往中亚、非洲及其他地区的门户。

在大国竞争加剧的背景下，中巴伙伴关系始终是不结盟、建设性、面向未来、发展、和平、互利的伙伴关系。

超越时间和国界的纽带

建交74年来，中巴关系已发展成为世界上最持久、最具韧性、最具全方位的伙伴关系之一。它成功地适应了不断变化的时代，而没有失去信任、相互尊重和命运共同体的基本精神。

这种独特的友谊不仅是今天的友谊，也是未来几代人的友谊。它不是基于短期利益，而是基于根深蒂固的原则和共同的梦想。随着两国在振兴和现代化道路上的共同前进，两国的道路将继续相通。

中巴关系不仅是地区稳定的基石，也为21世纪真正的国际友谊指明了方向。

巴中传统友谊万岁，愿巴中传统友谊日益牢固。

(  注意： 本文是用AI翻译的，或有误差。请以原版英文为准。谢谢。)

Reference Link:- https://en.people.cn/n3/2025/0520/c98649-20317271.html