Talks in Beijing reaffirm mutual support and expand cooperation on security, counter-terrorism and finance
A view of the seventh round of strategic dialogue of foreign ministers of Pakistan and China in Beijing. PHOTO: PID
Pakistan and China agreed to align their development strategies and build an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, known as CPEC 2.0, during wide-ranging discussions in Beijing that also covered political ties, security cooperation and regional and international issues.
The seventh round of the Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue was co-chaired in Beijing on January 4 by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, who was visiting China from January 3 to 5 at the invitation of Wang, according to a joint press release issued on Monday following the talks.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar visited Beijing to co-chair, along with Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the 7th Strategic Dialogue of Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and China on January 4, 2026.
The DPM/FM is the first foreign dignitary to visit China in… pic.twitter.com/kpqYha6tol
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) January 3, 2026
During the dialogue, the two sides exchanged views on strategic and political cooperation, defense and security, economy, trade, investment and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed international and regional issues of common concern and agreed to improve strategic communication, deepen strategic mutual trust, safeguard common interests and promote economic and social development in the two countries, as well as peace and prosperity in the region and beyond.
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As part of their economic engagement, Pakistan and China agreed to develop an enhanced CPEC, a pioneering project of the Belt and Road Initiative. Both sides said the new phase would focus on key sectors of industry, agriculture and mining, promote the construction and operation of the Gwadar port, ensure smooth passage of the Karakoram Highway and strengthen Pakistan’s capacity for sustainable development.
They also agreed to deepen cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, information technology, science and technology, cybersecurity, technical and vocational training and education, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides said the year-round opening of the Khunjerab Pass would facilitate bilateral trade and further strengthen people-to-people contacts. They also welcomed the participation of third parties in the CPEC cooperation in accordance with the modalities agreed by the two countries.
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The dialogue took place as Pakistan and China announced plans to launch commemorative activities in 2026, marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Both sides reaffirmed that they are ironclad strategic cooperative partners and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening high-level exchanges and implementing the action plan to foster an even closer Pakistan-China community with a shared future in the new era (2025-2029).
The two sides also reaffirmed their mutual support on issues concerning their respective core interests and expressed readiness to further strengthen cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, finance and banking, space cooperation and multilateral forums.
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The next round of China-Pakistan foreign ministers’ strategic dialogue will be held in Islamabad next year on mutually convenient dates, the statement said.
