Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited China from January 3 to 5 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, with the two sides co-chairing the seventh round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue on January 4.

The talks covered a broad range of issues, including defence and security cooperation, trade and investment, counter-terrorism, regional developments and people-to-people exchanges.

Both sides agreed to enhance strategic communication, deepen mutual trust and coordinate closely on regional and global issues.

China and Pakistan announced that 2026 will mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, with a series of commemorative activities planned to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation into new areas.

Reaffirming their “ironclad friendship”, the two countries said they would implement the 2025-2029 action plan aimed at building a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future.

Pakistan praised China’s development achievements under President Xi Jinping, while China welcomed Pakistan’s recent progress toward macroeconomic stability under its national economic reform programme.

The two sides reiterated firm support for each other’s core interests. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle and support for Beijing on Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong and the South China Sea.

China, in turn, reiterated its backing for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, counter-terrorism efforts and economic development.

China praised Pakistan’s measures to protect Chinese nationals and projects, particularly those linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Both sides agreed to deepen counter-terrorism and security cooperation and rejected what they described as double standards in global counter-terrorism efforts.

The talks also focused on advancing CPEC 2.0, with priority given to industry, agriculture, mining, Gwadar Port operations and regional connectivity.

The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in technology, cybersecurity, education, finance and space, including the expected participation of Pakistani astronauts in China’s space station programme.

On regional issues, China reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute should be resolved peacefully in accordance with UN resolutions and bilateral agreements, after Pakistan briefed Beijing on recent developments.

The two sides also stressed dialogue as the only way to resolve disputes in South Asia.

Pakistan and China pledged closer coordination on Afghanistan, urging inclusive governance, economic development and decisive action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.

They also called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, reaffirmed support for a two-state solution for Palestine and expressed concern over conditions in the occupied West Bank.

The two sides agreed to hold the next round of the strategic dialogue in Islamabad next year.