China-Pakistan relations at 75: Chinese scholar highlights strategic partnership ahead of PM Shehbaz’s China visit

BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd May, 2026) Marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, a Chinese scholar has described bilateral ties as a resilient and evolving strategic partnership built on security cooperation, economic integration and strong people-to-people connections.

The remarks came after the announcement that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake an official visit to China from May 23 to 26.

Liu Zongyi, Director of the Center for South Asia Studies at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, noted that over the past seven and a half decades, China and Pakistan have developed what is widely regarded as an “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership,” frequently described as being “higher than the mountains, deeper than the seas, sweeter than honey and stronger than steel.”

According to the analysis, the relationship is underpinned by three interrelated pillars: strategic and security cooperation, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.

Strategic and security cooperation was identified as the foundation of bilateral ties, with both countries maintaining close coordination on regional security issues and sustaining long-term military collaboration aimed at supporting national security objectives and regional stability.

Economic cooperation was described as the second pillar, with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) serving as the central driver. The scholar said CPEC has contributed to infrastructure development, improved connectivity and stronger trade links, while reflecting China’s broader support for Pakistan’s long-term economic transformation.

The third pillar - people-to-people exchanges - was highlighted as a critical factor in maintaining the durability of bilateral relations.

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Academic cooperation, research partnerships, language initiatives and university exchanges were cited as important channels for strengthening mutual understanding between the two societies.

The scholar also noted that beyond bilateral cooperation, China and Pakistan have coordinated positions on regional and global issues, including support for the Global South, engagement with the Islamic world and efforts to promote regional stability and economic integration.

Looking ahead, the commentary emphasized the need to strengthen youth engagement and deepen societal connections to ensure continuity of the relationship across generations. Addressing language barriers and increasing mutual familiarity were identified as practical steps to reinforce long-term ties.

On economic cooperation, the scholar said Pakistan’s industrial transformation would require sustained domestic reforms, stronger institutional capacity and policy consistency, while emphasizing the importance of ensuring the security of Chinese personnel and projects.

The analysis further observed that China and Pakistan’s strategic partnership continues to adapt to changing global dynamics and acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to diversify its external engagement while maintaining strategic balance.

Concluding the assessment, the scholar expressed confidence that China-Pakistan relations would continue to demonstrate resilience and strategic value, supported by a pragmatic and forward-looking approach aimed at achieving deeper, more stable and long-term cooperation.