FM Ishaq Dar Heads to China for Strategic Dialogue
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will travel to China on January 4 to co-chair the seventh Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, a milestone event as the two nations prepare to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations amid evolving regional and global dynamics.
Invited by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a senior Politburo member and Director of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, the high-level talks in Beijing represent the highest consultative mechanism between Islamabad and Beijing.
According to the Foreign Office, the dialogue offers a structured platform to review the full spectrum of bilateral ties, covering political, economic, security, and people-to-people cooperation, along with regional and international issues of mutual interest.
P.c. China Pakistan Economic Corridor
The ministers are also expected to announce initiatives and commemorative activities marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026—a symbolic milestone reflecting decades of steadily deepening partnership.
“The visit underscores the regular high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China and highlights their commitment to broadening the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” the Foreign Office stated, noting both sides’ shared focus on regional peace, stability, and sustainable development.
Since establishing diplomatic relations in May 1951, Pakistan has remained one of the first countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China. Over the years, the relationship has evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership, underpinned by political trust, close defence cooperation, and growing economic engagement.
The enduring ties have remained resilient across changing governments and regional challenges, with both nations frequently referring to each other as “iron brothers.” Beijing has consistently supported Islamabad on core issues like Kashmir, while Pakistan has backed China on sovereignty and territorial integrity matters.
Economic collaboration, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), has emerged as a central pillar of bilateral relations. Despite recent challenges, both governments reaffirm their commitment to high-quality development of CPEC, focusing on industrial growth, agriculture, IT, and green development initiatives.