China and Pakistan Relationship | Joint Statement (15/10/2024)

China and Pakistan Relationship: Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

(Islamabad, October 15, 2024)

(I) At the invitation of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China will pay an official visit to Pakistan from October 14 to 17, 2024 and attend the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states hosted by Pakistan. During the visit, Premier Li Qiang held talks with Prime Minister Shahbaz and met with Pakistani President Zardari, Senate Chairman Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Sadiq. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of Pakistan and the Chiefs of Staff of the Army, Navy and Air Force paid a visit to Premier Li Qiang. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on further consolidating and deepening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan, promoting practical cooperation in various fields between the two countries and issues of common concern, and reached broad consensus.

(II) Both sides stressed that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, the relationship between the two countries has withstood the test and remained as solid as a rock. Since President Xi Jinping’s historic state visit to Pakistan in 2015, the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership has made great progress. After Prime Minister Shabaz’s successful official visit to China in June 2024, the political mutual trust between the two countries has become stronger, the momentum of cooperation has become more abundant, and the strategic cooperation has become closer. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the current development momentum of China-Pakistan relations and agreed to further deepen the ironclad friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

(III) Pakistan highly appreciates and firmly supports the important ideas and propositions proposed by President Xi Jinping, such as building a community with a shared future for mankind, jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative, and the global development initiative, global security initiative, and global civilization initiative. Both sides are committed to advocating an equal and orderly world multipolarization and inclusive economic globalization, and promoting all countries in the world to work together towards a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress.

(IV) The two sides noted that the world is in a state of turmoil and the century-old changes are accelerating. China-Pakistan relations have strategic value, and any attempt to interfere with and undermine China-Pakistan cooperation will not succeed. China and Pakistan maintain multi-level, wide-ranging and high-quality relations. China reiterated that it places China-Pakistan relations at the top of China’s diplomatic priorities. Pakistan stressed that Pakistan-China relations are the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. China stressed that China-Pakistan relations have special significance in China’s foreign policy. The two sides will continue to deepen cooperation in various fields and accelerate the building of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.

I. Consolidating high-level political mutual trust

(V) The two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of exchanges under the strategic guidance of the two countries’ top leaders on the development of China-Pakistan relations. The two sides agreed to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation in all fields and at all levels, including governments, legislatures, and political parties.

(VI) Pakistan warmly congratulated the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the successful convening of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, emphasizing that China’s further comprehensive deepening of reform and high-level opening up will bring new opportunities for the development of countries around the world, including Pakistan. China positively evaluated Pakistan’s new achievements in economic reform and development under the leadership of Prime Minister Shahbaz. The two sides reiterated their firm support for each other’s independent choice of development path that suits their national conditions, and agreed to strengthen exchanges of experience in governance and deepen the docking of the development strategies of the two countries.

(VII) The two sides reaffirmed their firm support for each other on issues concerning each other’s core interests and major concerns. The two sides stressed that the authority of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 cannot be questioned or challenged. Pakistan reaffirmed its firm adherence to the one-China principle, that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China, and firmly supports all efforts made by China to achieve national reunification and resolutely opposes any form of “Taiwan independence”. Pakistan will firmly support China on issues related to Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, the South China Sea, etc. China reiterated its firm support for Pakistan in defending its national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and supports Pakistan’s efforts to maintain national security, stability, development and prosperity.

II. Deepening high-level practical cooperation

(VIII) Both sides reiterated that they will jointly build growth corridors, livelihood corridors, innovation corridors, green corridors and open corridors, create an “upgraded version” of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and work together to make the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor a high-quality demonstration project for the joint construction of the “Belt and Road”. Both sides agreed to continue to promote the docking of the eight actions for the joint construction of the “Belt and Road” with Pakistan’s “5Es” development framework based on exports, digital, environment, energy and fair empowerment. Pakistan positively evaluated the visit of the Chinese Economic Cooperation Research Team to Pakistan and is willing to continue to exchange development experiences in various fields with China.

(IX) The two sides reaffirmed that they will promote the upgrading and reconstruction project of Pakistan Railway Line 1 in accordance with the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and first build the Karachi to Hyderabad section in a phased manner. The two sides are willing to jointly refine and optimize the construction organization plan of the Karachi to Hyderabad section, and formulate a feasible and sustainable financing and implementation plan for the project as soon as possible.

(10) Both parties agree to actively seek financing support for the Karakoram Highway Phase II (Takht-Rekhte) realignment project in accordance with the framework agreement on cooperation in the project; at the same time, they agree to continue to play the role of the intergovernmental joint technical working group of the project, provide full technical guidance for the implementation of the project, and promote the project to be implemented as soon as possible.

11. Both sides believe that Gwadar Port is an important node for regional connectivity and reaffirmed that they will continue to accelerate the construction of supporting facilities for Gwadar Port, steadily increase the port’s cargo supply, solve the water and electricity problems as soon as possible, accelerate the development of industrial parks, and steadily promote the port’s external connectivity. During the visit, the leaders of both sides jointly attended the completion ceremony of the Gwadar New International Airport project.

(XII) The two sides agreed to deepen China-Pakistan industrial cooperation in accordance with local conditions and promote international cooperation in industrial chain and supply chain. China reiterated its support for enterprises to invest and start businesses in Pakistan’s special economic zone in accordance with market-oriented and commercial principles. Pakistan reiterated its commitment to improving the business environment and will provide preferential policy support for Chinese enterprises to invest in Pakistan. Both sides welcome third parties to actively participate in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor cooperation.

13. Both sides reaffirmed their willingness to actively promote Chinese enterprises to carry out mining investment cooperation in Pakistan and jointly explore the planning of mining industrial parks including deep processing of ores.

14. The two sides agreed to further strengthen practical cooperation in the fields of crop planting, animal husbandry, animal and plant disease prevention and control, agricultural mechanization, agricultural technology exchange, capacity building, etc., to help Pakistan’s agricultural modernization and resilient development. The two sides agreed to continue to promote agricultural cooperation between China’s Xinjiang and Pakistan.

(15) Both sides positively evaluated the achievements of China-Pakistan energy cooperation and agreed to continue to promote energy cooperation in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in a pragmatic, steady and orderly manner. Both sides will jointly explore solutions to specific issues through scientific demonstration and friendly consultation. Both sides agreed to strengthen professional exchanges on improving the management and utilization efficiency of Pakistan’s power system.

(XVI) The two sides agreed to continue to carry out pragmatic cooperation in the fields of basic geological surveys, resource potential assessment, marine oil and gas resources, natural gas hydrates, etc., carry out geological science and technology exchanges and training, and promote a new round of China-Pakistan joint marine geological surveys.

(XVII) The two sides agreed to further negotiate and promote trade liberalization under the framework of the second phase protocol of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, and actively explore possible mutual concession arrangements on the basis of mutual benefit and win-win results. China welcomes Pakistani companies to expand bilateral trade through platforms such as the China International Import Expo, and supports Pakistan in expanding exports to China. Pakistan welcomes Chinese companies to expand investment in export-oriented industries that are a priority for Pakistan. The two sides agreed to facilitate the deepening of exchanges and cooperation between the business communities of the two countries.

18. Pakistan highly appreciates China’s valuable support for Pakistan’s fiscal and financial stability. Both sides positively evaluated the renewal of the China-Pakistan local currency swap agreement and agreed to further strengthen cooperation in the financial and banking sectors and support each other in various regional and international multilateral financial platforms.

(19) China is willing to continue to support Pakistan in improving people’s livelihood and ensure that the fruits of development benefit all regions and ethnic groups in Pakistan. Pakistan thanks China for its support for improving people’s livelihood in Pakistan, especially the provision of solar lighting equipment and health kits, and the construction of important projects such as the China-Pakistan Friendship Hospital, Gwadar Vocational and Technical School, and the seawater desalination plant in Gwadar. The two sides agreed to continue to carry out cooperation in medical care, agriculture, education, climate change response, disaster prevention and mitigation, etc. under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Social and People’s Livelihood Working Group, and continue to create livelihood projects.

(XX) The two sides agreed to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the fields of youth, education, culture, tourism, radio and television, online audio-visual, think tanks, etc., deepen exchanges between the people, local governments and friendly cities, further facilitate personnel exchanges between the two countries, strengthen cultural exchanges, and pass on friendship from generation to generation. The two sides will mobilize local forces to actively organize training for agricultural talents, scientific and information technology talents. China welcomes Pakistan to participate in the 2024 China International Tourism Fair and send a delegation to China to participate in the Harbin Asian Winter Games and the Chengdu World Games in 2025.

III. Deepening High-Level Security Cooperation

(21) China highly appreciates Pakistan’s unremitting efforts, great sacrifices and contributions to maintaining international peace and security in combating terrorism. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to combating all forms of terrorism with a “zero tolerance” attitude, agreed to further strengthen bilateral and multilateral counter-terrorism cooperation, jointly oppose the politicization and instrumentalization of counter-terrorism, and are willing to work with the international community to strengthen multilateral counter-terrorism cooperation under the framework of the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and other organizations.

(XXII) Pakistan strongly condemned the terrorist attack on Chinese personnel and vehicles at the Dasu Hydropower Station project in Pakistan on March 26 and the terrorist attack on the Chinese personnel convoy at the Port Qasim Coal-fired Power Station on October 6, and pledged to find out the full truth of the above incidents, arrest all the perpetrators and severely punish them. Pakistan stressed its unswerving commitment to further increase security force investment and coordination, further strengthen security measures, and comprehensively ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan. China noted Pakistan’s efforts to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, and stressed the urgent need to take targeted security measures in Pakistan to jointly create a safe environment for cooperation between the two countries.

(XXIII) Both sides stressed that China-Pakistan strategic defense and security cooperation plays an irreplaceable and important role in maintaining regional peace and stability and ensuring regional strategic balance. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the high-level mutual trust, high-level cooperation and close high-level coordination between the two militaries over a long period of time, and agreed to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges and visits between the two militaries and continuously improve the level of joint exercises and training and military technical exchanges and cooperation.

IV. Strengthen high-level international cooperation

(XXIV) The two sides reaffirmed that they will jointly and firmly defend the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. The two sides will continue to uphold the core values and basic principles of the World Trade Organization, oppose “decoupling and breaking of chains”, and resolutely resist unilateralism and protectionism.

(XXV) Both sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in South Asia, the necessity of resolving all outstanding disputes, and opposed any unilateral actions. Pakistan briefed China on the latest situation in Jammu and Kashmir. China reiterated that the Kashmir issue is a dispute left over from history and should be properly resolved through peaceful means in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and relevant bilateral agreements.

(XXVI) China supports Pakistan in hosting the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states. This meeting marks that Pakistan has completed its one-year work as the Chairman of the Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) in a constructive and peaceful manner. The two sides agreed to take the opportunity of Pakistan’s term as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council from 2025 to 2026 and China’s assumption of the rotating presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to further strengthen communication and cooperation in international affairs.

(XXVII) The two sides agreed to strengthen communication and cooperation on the Afghan issue and called on the international community to work together to encourage the Afghan interim government to be inclusive, sound and friendly. The two sides also called for expanding counter-terrorism cooperation at the bilateral and multilateral levels, supporting Afghanistan’s comprehensive approach to eradicate terrorism, and called on the Afghan interim government to take visible and verifiable actions to disintegrate and eliminate all terrorist organizations entrenched in Afghanistan that continue to pose a serious threat to regional and global security, and prevent terrorist organizations from using Afghan territory to endanger Afghanistan’s neighbors, the region and other countries. The two sides are also willing to play a constructive role in helping Afghanistan achieve stable development and integrate into the international community.

(XXVIII) The two sides expressed serious concern over the ongoing fighting in the Gaza Strip and the dire and rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, and urged an immediate and permanent ceasefire to stop the fighting and ensure unimpeded humanitarian assistance. The two sides reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, including the right to establish an independent Palestinian state. The two sides supported the restart of the political settlement process of the Palestinian issue and were willing to work with the international community to promote a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue. The two sides expressed deep concern over the recent Israeli military operations against Lebanon that further exacerbated tensions in the region, opposed practices that violated the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, opposed violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, and opposed any moves that exacerbated contradictions and expanded conflicts, and called on the international community, especially influential major countries, to play a constructive role to avoid further destabilization of the situation.

(29) Premier Li Qiang expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan for their warm and friendly reception.

30. During the visit, the two sides signed and exchanged 13 cooperation documents, including those on the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, currency swap, quarantine requirements for Pakistani products, social welfare, science and technology, and co-production of television programs.