Friendship, trust evident in seven decades of exchanges and cooperation between China and Pakistan

Despite the odds, challenges and difficulties, there are relationships and business paradigms that remain intact. Seventy years of diplomatic, business and political relations between Pakistan and China are proof of such, and will continue to bloom with every passing day.

This ongoing journey of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations began on May 21, 1951. Not only between their governments, relations at grassroots level – from people to people – are providing greater strength to diplomatic and business ties, thus opening new vistas of development, prosperity and stability for both countries. Their working together creates a platform for global peace and prosperity, as the geostrategic positioning of Pakistan and emerging global economic fabric of China make an ideal combination.

With a population of more than 1.4 billion, China provides an exceptional consumer and labor market, attracting multinational corporations to build and set up their businesses in the country. Cross-cultural exchanges are breaking the myth of physical boundaries and providing the whole world myriad benefits.

It goes without saying that there is hardly any household in Pakistan where the slogan "Long-Live Pak-China Friendship" is not felt. The cordial relations between Pakistan and China are considered to be higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the seas.

Another phrase coined by Chinese President Xi Jinping – "Iron Brothers" – is evidence of mutual trust, confidence and amity between China and Pakistan. From the very beginning till now, the evolution of this journey has crossed many milestones and withstood testing times. The maturity in China-Pakistan ties foretells their future.

Spanning over seven decades, the relations between Pakistan and China, followed by political, cultural and economic cooperation, have never seen a dent, and have instead found a much clearer direction. This friendship has been further strengthened through bilateral trade and defense cooperation, and has only gained momentum. The vital role of Pakistan and China in bringing peace to the region represents two sides of the same coin. The closeness of the two countries' foreign trade and defense strategies are clear.

A report released in 2018 by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute states that China met the optimum defense needs of its southern neighbor Pakistan. There are many facets to this key friendship; China has always supported Pakistan's position, with particular regard to the long-standing Kashmir issue in light of United Nations resolutions. China also echoed Pakistan's voice and urged India to allow the people in the occupied Kashmir to decide their own fates and futures.