Pakistan and China: A 70-Year Bond That Outlasted Global Shifts:
The China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted the launch of its latest book, “Pakistan and China: Connecting at People’s Level,” highlighting the growing importance of people-to-people (P2P) relations between the two countries.
The event brought together leading diplomats, scholars, and academics including Ambassador Masood Khalid and Ambassador Moin-ul-Haque, both former envoys to China; Dr. Hassan Daud Butt of Bahria University; Dr. Sundus Mustaqeem of NUST; Aiza Azam of Air University; and Xu Hangtian, Minister-Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, who attended as guest of honour.
In his keynote, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, described Pakistan-China relations as unique in global inter-state relations, rooted in mutual trust, respect, and consistent support on core issues. He noted that this all-weather strategic cooperative partnership has stood the test of time for over seven decades, contributing to peace, stability, and regional development.
He emphasized that while initiatives like CPEC and the Belt and Road Initiative have strengthened economic and physical connectivity, cultural and academic exchanges will ensure the partnership’s sustainability for future generations. Highlighting the new China-Pakistan Five-Year Action Plan (2025–29), he pointed out its dedicated chapter on people-to-people exchanges, reflecting the recognition that long-term friendship rests on social, educational, and cultural linkages.
Looking ahead, he proposed that the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026 should be marked with youth-driven programs, cultural festivals, tourism initiatives, and think-tank collaborations. He also called for greater cooperation in sports, preservation of civilizational heritage, easier visa facilitation, and enhanced air connectivity.
Ambassador Moin-ul-Haque reaffirmed that China remains central to Pakistan’s foreign policy. He identified five key areas to deepen P2P ties: civilizational connections, cultural cooperation, economic partnerships, technological collaboration, and tourism. He suggested initiatives such as Gandhara civilization exhibitions, joint IT parks across provinces, and group tourism programs to strengthen public diplomacy.
Dr. Hassan Daud Butt observed that the book aligns with the second phase of CPEC, which is focused on broader institutional and societal linkages. He stressed that people-to-people interaction is the backbone of sustainable partnerships and praised the book for showcasing exchanges in education, culture, and maritime tourism. He linked these findings to President Xi Jinping’s Global Civilization Initiative, urging wider awareness.
Xu Hangtian echoed this sentiment, noting that people form the foundation of history and the future. He highlighted the solidarity shown during crises such as Covid-19 and natural disasters, describing Pakistan-China friendship as resilient and deeply rooted in shared values.
The launch underlined that the future of Pakistan-China relations depends not only on strategic cooperation but also on building stronger cultural, academic, and social bridges between the people of both nations.
