Pakistan and China have agreed to align their national development strategies and move forward with an upgraded phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, commonly referred to as CPEC 2.0, during high-level talks held in Beijing. The understanding was reached during the Seventh Round of the Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, reflecting the continued depth of bilateral cooperation between the two countries across economic, political, and security domains.
The dialogue was co-chaired on January 4 by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar. Dar visited China from January 3 to January 5 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart. A joint press communiqué issued at the conclusion of the talks outlined the broad scope of discussions and the strategic direction agreed upon by both sides.
During the dialogue, Pakistan and China exchanged detailed views on strategic and political coordination, defence and security cooperation, economic engagement, trade and investment, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. The two sides also discussed regional and international developments of mutual interest and agreed to enhance strategic communication, deepen mutual trust, and safeguard shared interests while promoting economic and social development in both countries.
A central outcome of the dialogue was the agreement to develop an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The next phase, referred to as CPEC 2.0, is intended to build upon earlier infrastructure-focused investments by shifting greater attention toward productive sectors that support long-term and sustainable growth. According to the communiqué, this upgraded phase will prioritize cooperation in industry, agriculture, and mining, while also advancing the development and operation of Gwadar Port.
The two sides emphasized the importance of ensuring the smooth and secure passage of the Karakoram Highway, recognizing its role as a critical trade and connectivity route between Pakistan and China. Strengthening Pakistan’s capacity for sustainable development was highlighted as a shared objective under the new phase of CPEC cooperation.
Beyond infrastructure and industrial development, Pakistan and China agreed to deepen collaboration in several emerging and strategic areas. These include trade and investment, information technology, science and technology, cybersecurity, technical and vocational training, education, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides noted that enhanced cooperation in these areas would contribute to economic modernization and human capital development.
The year-round opening of the Khunjerab Pass was welcomed by both countries as a step that would facilitate two-way trade and strengthen people-to-people contacts. They also reiterated openness to third-party participation in CPEC projects, in line with mutually agreed modalities, signaling an inclusive approach to regional economic cooperation.
The dialogue also took place against the backdrop of preparations to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China in 2026. Both sides announced plans to launch commemorative activities to highlight the long-standing partnership and reaffirmed their status as all-weather strategic cooperative partners. They reiterated their commitment to strengthening high-level exchanges and implementing the Action Plan to Foster an Even Closer Pakistan-China Community with a Shared Future in the New Era for the period 2025 to 2029.
In addition, Pakistan and China reaffirmed mutual support on issues related to their respective core interests and expressed readiness to further enhance cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, finance and banking, space cooperation, and engagement at multilateral forums.
The joint communiqué concluded by confirming that the next round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue will be held in Islamabad next year on dates to be decided through mutual consultation, underscoring the continuity of structured high-level engagement between the two countries.
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