The recent visit of Premier Li Qiang to Islamabad marked a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between Pakistan and China. The visit underscored the strategic importance of the shared future of both nations. By hosting the high-profile Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting, Pakistan seized the opportunity to further solidify its ties with China and other regional partners, strengthening not only diplomatic ties but also promoting economic collaboration through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Premier Li’s emphasis on an “upgraded version of the CPEC “symbolizes a new phase in the longstanding partnership between the two countries. Launched in 2013, CPEC aimed to transform Pakistan’s infrastructure landscape and connect western China to the Arabian Sea via Gwadar Port. This multibillion-dollar project, part of the Belt and Road Initiative, has significantly impacted Pakistan’s energy, transportation, and communication sectors. Upgrading CPEC suggests an ambition to enhance these projects with advanced technology, deeper investments, and broader economic integration.
The upgraded version of CPEC could entail an increased focus on emerging technologies, sustainability and new sectors. An enhanced CPEC could bring about deeper industrial cooperation and job creation in Pakistan, as well as skill development initiatives to train the workforce for modern production.
CPEC has been critical for Pakistan’s economic development. Since its inception, it has attracted over $65 billion in investment, leading to the construction of highways, energy projects and industrial zones. The project has helped address Pakistan’s energy shortage, improved connectivity and contributed to GDP growth. The CPEC’s upgraded version could offer Pakistan a path to greater economic stability and reduced reliance on international loans.
Deepening ties between China and Pakistan through CPEC and beyond serves as a deterrent to common security threats in the region. Li’s visit and the opening of the Gwadar airport symbolize China’s steadfast commitment to CPEC, even in the face of security challenges. Enhanced counterterrorism efforts, as highlighted in the discussions between Li and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, are critical for ensuring the safety of foreign investments and the progress of CPEC projects.
Hosting the SCO meeting is a milestone for Pakistan. This gathering of regional leaders in Islamabad provides Pakistan an ideal platform to project itself as a leader in regional security and economic cooperation. China’s presence at this event sends a strong message of support for Pakistan and underscores the depth of the two nations’ strategic partnership.
The SCO meeting is an opportunity for Pakistan to showcase CPEC’s potential to other member states, as a model for regional connectivity and development. The presence of regional stakeholders may encourage other countries to consider similar collaborative projects, potentially expanding the influence of the BRI framework. This aligns with the SCO’s goals of enhancing connectivity and fostering economic cooperation among member states.
For decades, Pakistan and China have shared a time-tested friendship. This enduring relationship has been marked by mutual respect, economic collaboration and shared strategic interests. China has consistently supported Pakistan, in regional matters and on the global stage. In return, Pakistan has provided China with a reliable partner in South Asia, and the two countries have frequently backed each other in international forums.
Li’s visit, the inauguration of the New Gwadar International Airport, and the SCO meeting all signify a renewed chapter in this friendship. As Pakistan continues to navigate its economic and security challenges, China’s support through initiatives like CPEC is crucial. This relationship serves as a beacon of cooperation that can inspire other nations in the region to pursue similar partnerships, thus contributing to a more interconnected and prosperous South Asia.
The SCO meeting and Li’s visit mark a historic juncture in the China-Pakistan relationship, reaffirming the mutual commitment to a future of shared prosperity. The emphasis on an upgraded CPEC offers a glimpse into the potential for transformative development, while Pakistan’s role as an SCO host underscores its growing regional importance. These initiatives, rooted in friendship, diplomacy and economic ambition, not only promise a brighter future for Pakistan and China but also present a model of cooperation for the region. By investing in shared goals, both nations are set to achieve milestones that will not only enhance their bilateral relationship but also promote stability, connectivity and economic resilience in the region.
The author is a Pakistani analyst on China and assistant professor at the National Defence University Pakistan.
