BEIJING: Pakistan and China on Monday jointly urged stronger and more demonstrable measures to dismantle and eradicate all terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil, stressing the need for “visible and verifiable” action to prevent Afghan territory from being used for militancy against other countries.
The call was made in a joint communique issued following the 7th round of the Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, held in Beijing, which Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar attended.
“The two sides called for more visible and verifiable actions to dismantle and eliminate all terrorist organisations based in Afghanistan which continue to pose serious threats to regional and global security, and prevent terrorist organisations from using the Afghan territory for terrorism against any other country and to endanger any other country,” the statement said.
Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination on Afghanistan and work alongside the international community to encourage Kabul to establish an inclusive political system, pursue moderate policies, prioritise development, maintain good relations with neighbours, and play a constructive role in regional stability.
“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-neighbourliness, and play a constructive role in helping Afghanistan achieve stable development and integrate into the international community,” it added.
China acknowledged Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, particularly in ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals, projects and institutions within Pakistan.
“China fully recognised the significant contributions and huge sacrifices that Pakistan made in combating terrorism over the years,” the statement said.
Reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, both countries pledged to further strengthen cooperation in counterterrorism and security to ensure the smooth and secure advancement of China-Pakistan Belt and Road projects.
“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 advances in a secure and smooth manner,” it said.
They also urged the global community to enhance counterterrorism collaboration while rejecting selective approaches.
“Calling on the international community to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation, the two sides expressed their firm opposition to double standards on counterterrorism,” it added.
The communique further noted that both countries were willing to continue utilising mechanisms such as the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan trilateral foreign ministers’ dialogue and the China-Bangladesh-Pakistan cooperation framework to achieve tangible outcomes.
Pak-China agree to enhance communication
During the strategic dialogue in Beijing, Pakistan and China exchanged comprehensive views on bilateral ties and cooperation across multiple sectors, including political, strategic, defence, security, economic, trade, investment, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges.
Pakistan and China “agreed to enhance strategic communication, deepen strategic mutual trust, jointly safeguard their common interests, promote the economic and social development of the two countries,” the communique said.
They also reiterated their shared commitment to promoting peace, development, and prosperity in the region and beyond.
The two sides marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and launched commemorative activities, describing the milestone as an opportunity to strengthen friendship and expand cooperation into new areas.
Pakistan congratulated China on the successful completion of its 14th Five-Year Plan and the forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan under President Xi Jinping’s leadership. Islamabad also praised China’s people-centric development model, noting that the “Chinese path to modernisation provided a new option and practical solution for other developing countries to achieve independent development”.
China, in turn, commended Pakistan’s leadership for achieving macroeconomic stability and advancing economic reforms under the National Economic Transformation Plan (2024–2029), also known as URAAN Pakistan.
Pakistan reaffirmed its unwavering support for the one-China principle, stating that Taiwan is an “inalienable part of China’s territory”.
“Pakistan firmly supports every effort of China to achieve national reunification, and opposes any form of ‘Taiwan independence‘ and any attempt to create ’two Chinas’ or ’one China, one Taiwan,” it added.
Pakistan also reiterated support for China on matters related to Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea. China reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and development path, and pledged continued backing in Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and international engagement.
‘Upgraded version of CPEC’
The communique announced that both sides agreed to build an “upgraded version 2.0” of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by better aligning development priorities.
Three priority sectors were identified: industry, agriculture, and mining. The two countries also emphasised the importance of operationalising Gwadar Port, ensuring smooth transit along the Karakoram Highway, and strengthening Pakistan’s sustainable development capacity.
They pledged deeper cooperation in trade, investment, IT, science and technology, cybersecurity, vocational training, education, and cultural exchanges.
The year-round opening of the Khunjerab Pass was highlighted as an opportunity to boost trade and people-to-people ties. Both sides also welcomed third-party participation in CPEC projects in line with mutually agreed frameworks.
The two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in banking and finance, including mutual support at multilateral financial platforms. Pakistan acknowledged China’s assistance in strengthening its fiscal and financial sectors.
On space cooperation, both sides expressed satisfaction with progress and welcomed the anticipated participation of Pakistani astronauts in China’s space station missions.
“They agreed to explore space in a peaceful and mutually beneficial manner for greater economic and social development and prosperity,” the statement said.
Agree to uphold UN Charter, oppose unilateral actions
Pakistan and China reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter and international law, opposing unilateral actions and emphasizing the importance of dialogue-based dispute resolution to maintain peace and stability in South Asia.
China reiterated that the Kashmir dispute should be resolved “properly and peacefully in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements”.
The two sides also expressed readiness to cooperate on transboundary water resources under principles of equality and mutual benefit and stressed the need to fulfil international legal obligations.
They reaffirmed cooperation under global initiatives including the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilisation Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative, committing to a more equitable global governance system and a shared future for humanity.
Pakistan commended China’s efforts to protect developing countries’ right to sustainable development, while both sides expressed satisfaction with cooperation within the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
China praised Pakistan’s performance during its UN Security Council presidency and extended full support for Pakistan’s rotating presidency of the SCO from 2026 to 2027.
Reiterate support for a Palestinian state
On Palestine, both countries called for an “unconditional, comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Gaza” and reaffirmed the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
They stressed the need for the “implementation of the two-state solution with the establishment of an independent state of Palestine” and voiced concern over developments in the occupied West Bank.
Pakistan and China expressed readiness to work with the international community to promote lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
The communique concluded by confirming that the next round of the Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue will be held in Islamabad next year.
Dar meets Chinese mining delegation
During the visit, Dar also met a delegation from China Minmetals Corporation (MCC), led by Vice President Xu Jiqing, where discussions focused on ongoing and future mining projects in Pakistan. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for MCC’s investments and value-added industrial development.
Separately, Dar met CIDCA Chairman Chen Xiaodong to review socio-economic cooperation, praising the agency’s contributions to Pakistan’s development. Both sides agreed to deepen collaboration in education, space, IT, livelihoods, and disaster relief, including initiatives marking the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations.
