Zardari and Xi Jinping Discuss Strengthening China-Pakistan Ties
President Asif Ali Zardari met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to discuss enhancing bilateral relations, accelerating the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, and improving security for Chinese nationals working in Pakistan.
Zardari, who arrived in China on Tuesday for a four-day visit, acknowledged attempts to disrupt the strong relationship between the two nations through attacks targeting Chinese nationals. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protecting the friendship and ensuring their safety.
Speaking at the start of his talks with Xi, Zardari emphasized that Pakistan’s bond with China is unbreakable. “No matter what challenges arise, Pakistan and China will always stand together as all-weather friends,” he stated, reiterating that extremist attacks would not shake their enduring relationship.
Chinese workers have been involved in infrastructure projects across Pakistan under China’s multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to enhance trade routes and expand Beijing’s global influence. However, security concerns have escalated due to multiple attacks on Chinese nationals, including two incidents last year that resulted in the deaths of seven workers.
In response, Xi praised the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, highlighting the successful progress of CPEC and their collaboration across various sectors. He expressed China’s willingness to continue working closely with Pakistan to advance their modernization efforts.
Xi also noted the significance of a new $230 million Chinese-funded airport in Gwadar, a major development in the region that will strengthen Pakistan’s connectivity. The Gwadar port, part of CPEC, will serve as the terminal linking China’s Xinjiang region to the Arabian Sea.
During his visit, Zardari will also travel to Harbin for the opening of the 9th Asian Winter Games, marking another milestone in the expanding Pakistan-China cooperation.
