President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to its longstanding partnership with China, describing bilateral relations as a model of enduring cooperation rooted in mutual trust, shared progress and people-to-people connectivity.
In an article published by China Daily, on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, President Zardari said the friendship between the two countries had evolved from diplomatic engagement into a comprehensive strategic partnership spanning infrastructure, trade, energy, agriculture, defense and cultural exchanges.
The president said Pakistan-China relations were never transactional and had consistently been guided by mutual respect and understanding of each other’s core interests. He reiterated Pakistan’s firm support for the One-China principle and recalled Pakistan’s role in supporting China’s rightful seat at the United Nations in 1971.
President Zardari highlighted the contributions of former leaders including Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto in strengthening bilateral ties, adding that the legacy was being carried forward by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Aseefa Bhutto Zardari.
The president praised China’s rapid economic transformation under the leadership of Xi Jinping, saying the country had emerged as a major global power through vision, discipline and sustained development policies.
He said the relationship between Pakistan and China had remained resilient despite major shifts in the global order, adding that both countries continued to cooperate closely at multilateral forums including the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Referring to recent regional tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, President Zardari appreciated China’s constructive diplomatic role in promoting restraint, dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes, while also supporting Pakistan’s mediation efforts.
The president termed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor a flagship project of bilateral cooperation, saying it had significantly improved Pakistan’s infrastructure, eased energy shortages and generated economic opportunities.
He noted that the next phase of CPEC would focus on industrial cooperation, modern agriculture, technology transfer and job creation to ensure sustainable and inclusive development.
President Zardari also underscored the importance of defense cooperation between the two countries, saying collaboration in defense technology, training and joint exercises had contributed to Pakistan’s capabilities and regional stability.
The president said students, artists, entrepreneurs and youth from both countries were building lasting connections that strengthened the spirit of the all-weather friendship. “As we look ahead, our direction is clear: deepen cooperation, strengthen solidarity among Global South nations, and work together for a rule-based international order,” he wrote.
President Zardari said Pakistan-China relations, after 75 years, remained “strong, steady, and deeply humane,” expressing confidence that the partnership would continue to grow in the future.