ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China was marked in Islamabad today with a high-profile ceremony attended by top leadership from both countries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and senior Chinese dignitaries gathered to reaffirm what they described as an enduring and “ironclad” friendship.
The event highlighted decades of cooperation across political, economic, and strategic domains, underscoring the depth of bilateral ties that both sides said had consistently withstood global and regional challenges. The commemorations also featured cultural performances, symbolic releases, and renewed pledges of partnership.
75 years of Pakistan-China ties
Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the Pakistan-China relationship stood as a unique example in global diplomacy and had passed every test of time. He noted that Pakistan was the first Muslim country to recognise People’s Republic of China, calling the relationship one rooted in trust and consistency.
He extended congratulations to Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, on the milestone anniversary.
PM Shehbaz added that China had remained firmly by Pakistan’s side during crises, including floods and natural disasters, describing Beijing’s support as unparalleled. He reiterated Pakistan’s continued support for the One-China policy and said the friendship had grown stronger with each passing decade.
The prime minister said bilateral cooperation had expanded significantly under long-term frameworks such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which he described as a key component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative led by President Xi Jinping. He noted that CPEC had become central to Pakistan’s economic development, investment inflows, and job creation.
He also highlighted cooperation in agriculture, stating that around 1,000 Pakistani agricultural graduates had received advanced training in China. He emphasised that Pakistan placed the highest priority on the security of Chinese nationals working in the country and assured full protection for all visiting citizens.
Chinese Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Cai Dafeng said the anniversary reflected the strength of the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership established in 2015 under CPEC. He stated that China would continue to support Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national development priorities. He further stressed collaboration in science, technology, climate action, and multilateral cooperation to build a fairer global governance system.
Future cooperation
President Asif Ali Zardari said the 75-year journey had evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership grounded in mutual trust and shared aspirations. He described China as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and said both countries had consistently supported each other’s core national interests. Zardari praised China’s achievements in development, poverty alleviation, and technological progress, calling them a global model. He noted that projects such as the development of Gwadar Port represented a major symbol of friendship and practical cooperation.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the One-China policy and said both countries were working together for regional peace, stability, and multilateral development. The President also praised China’s role in global development and governance initiatives, describing its contribution as highly commendable. He expressed hope for deeper engagement in the future, calling for continued progress in economic, institutional, and people-to-people ties.
At the ceremony, President Zardari and Chinese representatives jointly released a commemorative postage stamp marking the 75th anniversary. A commemorative coin was also unveiled by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese dignitaries.
The event also featured cultural performances by children and artists from both countries, reflecting shared heritage and friendship. The ceremony concluded with the joint cutting of an anniversary cake by Pakistani and Chinese leaders, symbolising continued partnership and cooperation.