It appears that prior to the visit of US President Donald Trump, Chinese authorities properly utilized diplomatic channels to clearly convey their red lines, notably concerning the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and other mega projects.
As a result, the issue was neither raised nor became part of the historic Beijing Summit.
Furthermore, during the head-of-state meeting, the Chinese President invoked the ancient Greek historian Thucydides. He specifically referenced the “Thucydides Trap,” a political theory popularized by Harvard professor Graham Allison based on the Peloponnesian War, to caution President Trump about the structural tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
This reference aptly suggests that when an established global superpower like the United States feels threatened by the rise of a new power such as China, conflict often becomes historically inevitable. However, such a trajectory should be systematically avoided because the two economies are fundamentally complementary, creating numerous mutually beneficial propositions.
The Chinese President’s message was loud and clear: China and the United States must transcend the so-called “Thucydides Trap” and forge a new paradigm for major-power relations. This relationship should be anchored in mutual respect, economic globalization, international cooperation, equality, productivity and, above all, the rule of law.
Many Western media outlets quoted this statement, interpreting it as a warning that aggressive containment policies could lead both nations into an extremely dangerous conflict, while urging President Trump to pursue partnership over rivalry. The full context of President Xi’s remarks championed cooperation over confrontation, coordination over conflict and collaboration over conspiracy, steering both economies, communities and enterprises toward a win-win domain. Notably, President Trump did not raise concerns about China’s Xinjiang, Hong Kong, Taiwan or the BRI projects. This appears to be sensible posturing on his part, steering bilateral relations toward more meaningful interaction and prospective dividends in the days to come.
The writer extends sincere good wishes on the eve of the 75th anniversary of Pak-China diplomatic relations to be celebrated on May 21, 2026, hoping this milestone will further strengthen bilateral ties across economy, investment, joint ventures, social development and qualitative industrialization through digitalization, AI, green and quantum technologies, as well as science and space cooperation; to mark the occasion, the writer has authored a new book, “Pak-China 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations: Pak-China Friendship: Strategic Vision, Achievements, Way Forward and China’s Economic Miracles,” highlighting the strategic significance of the true, trustworthy and deeply rooted holistic connection between the two countries.
The book comprehensively covers strategic cooperation across economics, politics, social development and diplomatic ties, with a special focus on CPEC Phase 1, Phase 2.0 and beyond, highlighting how both nations’ leadership visions have transformed crises into opportunities, developed communities and translated potential into tangible realities, while advancing shared goals of connectivity, socio-economic prosperity, financial integration, infrastructure development, hybrid agriculture, energy cooperation and progress in education, culture and people-to-people contacts, marking an initial step toward a “Corridor of Knowledge” for deeper mutual understanding; it further underscores that Pakistan-China friendship is widely regarded across Pakistani society as vital, permanent, positive, productive and participatory, strengthening an ironclad bond rooted in deep societal consensus and the sincere sentiments of the younger generation toward China.
It is a good omen that China remains willing to work with Pakistan to practice the concept of people-centered diplomacy, accelerate the building of a China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future and better benefit the peoples of both countries—a commitment that is truly commendable. China has always treated Pakistan as an equal partner, which has generated immense love and respect for China among the Pakistani people.
The 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties reaffirms that building a China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future continues to lead the way in fostering a broader neighborhood community with a shared destiny. This serves to better benefit the peoples of both countries and plays an exemplary role in safeguarding regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.
It is a healthy sign that China stands ready to work with Pakistan to create an upgraded Version 2.0 of CPEC, striving to build a growth corridor, a livelihood-enhancing corridor, an innovation corridor, a green corridor and an open corridor. The focus will center on three key sectors—industry, agriculture and mining—while ensuring the sound operation of Gwadar Port, securing the smooth passage of the Karakoram Highway and propelling CPEC into a new stage of high-quality development. Furthermore, China is ready to deepen cooperation in areas such as information technology, cybersecurity and people-to-people and cultural exchanges.
In summary, both nations, belonging to Eastern civilization, value friendship and uphold righteousness, forging an unbreakable traditional bond. China welcomes Pakistan to play a greater role in international affairs. As Pakistan’s ironclad friend, China has always shared weal and woe, with a strategic partnership as solid as rock. Developing friendly relations with China remains a consensus across Pakistani society.
The writer is of the view that policymakers on both sides should redefine, redraft and re-chart strategic cooperation for early execution of CPEC Phase 2.0, particularly focusing on renewable energy development (solar, wind, lithium batteries and EVs), making the “Corridor of Renewables” the way forward; furthermore, drawing on China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, CPEC Phase 2.0 should incorporate a “Corridor of Humanoids” alongside medical, industrial and science corridors to enhance its scope, utility and impact on national economy and social development; additionally, both sides should revisit policies for emerging industries in Pakistan by prioritizing ICT, IT, semiconductors, quantum industries, big data, bio-medical manufacturing, unmanned textiles and steel mills.
