This year marks seventy-five years of Pakistan–China diplomatic relations—an “all-weather friendship” that has endured ideological shifts, Cold War rivalries and the turbulence of global polarisation.
A few bilateral partnerships in modern history have shown such resilience. As one who has personally witnessed China’s transformation since 1974 and who was invited to Beijing on the sixtieth anniversary of ties, I can attest that this relationship is not merely a matter of statecraft but of lived experience. My impressions, recorded in works such as China’s Stories—China’s Success, Gleaming Gems of Chinese Culture, The Road to Leadership: Xi Jinping—from Educated Farm Boy to Statesman, 100 Years of Communist Party of China and over a thousand articles, provide a prism through which to view this remarkable journey.
The durability of Pakistan–China ties rests on mutual trust and shared strategic interests. Since the early 1950s, both nations recognized each other as reliable partners in a turbulent region. Unlike transactional alliances, this relationship has been built on consistency: China stood by Pakistan during sanctions and wars, while Pakistan facilitated China’s outreach to the wider world. In the 1960s and 70s, when much of the international community ignored mainland China and instead recognized Taiwan as the so‑called Republic of China, Pakistan stood firmly by Beijing. It was Pakistan’s steadfast support that helped China regain its rightful position on the global stage. China has never forgotten that loyalty and, in turn, has reciprocated with unwavering support. Anchored in respect, reciprocity and a shared vision of sovereignty and development, the partnership has weathered seven decades of shifting orders.
From defence and diplomacy to infrastructure and trade, the relationship has expanded significantly. Defence cooperation gave Pakistan critical security assurances, especially during periods of isolation. Yet the most transformative impact has come from economic and infrastructure collaboration. The pivot from military alignment to economic integration—culminating in projects like Gwadar Port and energy corridors—has redefined Pakistan’s development trajectory. Defence ties ensured survival; economic ties promise prosperity. Crucially, none of China’s support has carried hidden conditions. It has been offered in the spirit of partnership, enabling Pakistan to pursue sustainable growth and greater self-reliance.
The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has indeed been a “game changer,” though its impact has been mixed. On the positive side, it stabilized Pakistan’s energy supply, modernized transport networks and drew global attention to Pakistan’s geostrategic location. Yet shortcomings remain: uneven project execution, bureaucratic delays and limited trickle-down benefits for local communities. The next phase must prioritize industrial zones, agricultural modernization and digital connectivity. Above all, the future direction should be people-centric, ensuring that CPEC delivers inclusive growth rather than remaining confined to elite narratives.
The challenge lies within Pakistan itself: political wrangling, bad governance, disputes with neighbours and terror attacks have prevented us from fully capitalizing on China’s support. Unless we overcome these internal hurdles, we risk being left behind. In an era of global polarisation, China views Pakistan as a stabilizing partner in South Asia and a vital bridge to the Muslim world. Pakistan’s geographic position—linking Central Asia, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean—makes it indispensable to China’s Belt and Road vision. Strategically, Pakistan offers Beijing both a trusted ally in defence and a reliable partner in diplomacy, particularly as China navigates tensions with Washington and seeks multipolar balance. Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the US–Iran standoff would not have been possible without China’s firm backing. Beijing’s quiet but consistent support gave Islamabad the confidence to act as a neutral interlocutor. This underscores the depth of the relationship: Pakistan provides the platform, China provides the assurance and together they contribute to regional stability.
Despite the depth of state relations, people-to-people exchanges remain limited. To correct this imbalance, Pakistan and China must invest in cultural diplomacy: joint media productions, student exchange programs, language institutes and tourism facilitation. Encouraging Pakistani youth to study in China and vice versa will create a generation that understands each other beyond official communiqués. Shared festivals, sports diplomacy and digital collaborations can humanize the relationship, making it not just strategic but social. As one who has interacted with Chinese scholars, students and cultural institutions over five decades, I can affirm that such exchanges enrich understanding and build bridges of empathy. The next decade of the Pakistan–China partnership must be defined by diversification. Defence and infrastructure will remain foundational pillars, but new chapters must expand into climate cooperation, green energy, artificial intelligence and joint ventures in health and education. Pakistan must position itself not only as China’s corridor but also as its collaborator in innovation. A partnership that began with steel and concrete must now evolve into one of ideas and innovation—ensuring that the “all-weather friendship” remains future-proof. To be truly worthy of China’s support, Pakistan must also put its own house in order because even the most generous support risks being underutilized.
Seventy-five years of Sino–Pakistan ties testify to the power of trust, reciprocity and shared vision. As a witness since 1974, I have seen China rise from modest beginning to global prominence and Pakistan benefit from its steadfast friendship. The journey has been one of flexibility and transformation, but the future demands innovation, inclusivity and internal stability. Iqbal’s timeless verse captures the spirit of this partnership: “See the rising sun from the East, its light heralds a new dawn.” If Pakistan can brace itself to meet its challenges, the “all-weather friendship” will not only endure but flourish—lighting not just our cities, but our people’s lives and shaping a shared destiny in the Asian century.
—The writer, Retired Group Captain of PAF, is author of several books on China.
