Pakistan and China reaffirm zero tolerance for terrorism, pledge deeper security cooperation

BEIJING: Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their zero-tolerance stance against terrorism, pledging to deepen counter-terrorism and security cooperation and to work jointly to ensure the safe and smooth advancement of China-Pakistan Belt and Road cooperation.

The commitment was reiterated following the Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on January 4 in Beijing, according to a joint communique issued on Monday.

The statement said the two sides held a comprehensive exchange of views on bilateral relations and cooperation across a wide range of areas, including strategic and political coordination, defence and security, economy, trade, investment, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Regional and international issues of mutual interest were also discussed.

The two sides called for more visible and verifiable actions to dismantle and eliminate all terrorist organisations based in Afghanistan that continue to pose serious threats to regional and global security. They stressed the need to prevent Afghan territory from being used for terrorism against any country or to endanger the security of others.

Exchanging views on the situation in Afghanistan, both sides emphasised continued coordination with the international community to support peace and stability. They agreed to encourage Afghan authorities to establish an inclusive political framework, pursue moderate policies, focus on economic development and maintain good-neighbourly relations, while playing a constructive role in Afghanistan’s integration into the international community.

Pakistan and China also agreed to continue leveraging the Pakistan-China-Afghanistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue and the Pakistan-China-Bangladesh cooperation mechanism to achieve tangible outcomes.

On issues of core interest, Pakistan reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China principle, reiterating that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory and opposing any form of “Taiwan independence” or attempts to create “two Chinas” or “one China, one Taiwan.” Pakistan also reiterated support for China on issues related to Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea.

China, in turn, reiterated its support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and backed Pakistan’s efforts to pursue development in line with its national conditions and play a greater role in regional and international affairs.

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Both sides reaffirmed that Pakistan and China are all-weather strategic cooperative partners bound by an ironclad friendship, noting that the steady development of bilateral ties is of strategic significance for regional stability. They announced that commemorative activities will be held in 2026 to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

On economic cooperation, the two sides agreed to further align development strategies and advance an upgraded version 2.0 of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, focusing on industry, agriculture and mining. They agreed to promote Gwadar Port, ensure smooth connectivity along the Karakoram Highway, deepen cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, information technology, cybersecurity, vocational training and cultural exchanges, and welcomed third-party participation under agreed modalities.

The two sides also underscored cooperation in the financial and banking sectors and mutual support at multilateral financial forums.

Regionally, they stressed the importance of peace and stability in South Asia, adherence to the UN Charter and international law, and resolving disputes through dialogue. Pakistan briefed China on the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, while China reiterated that the issue should be resolved peacefully in line with relevant UN resolutions and bilateral agreements.

Both countries expressed support for an unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, reaffirmed backing for the two-state solution, and pledged to work with the international community to promote peace in the Middle East. They also noted expanding cooperation in space, including the expected participation of Pakistani astronauts in the China Space Station.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar thanked the Chinese side for its hospitality, and both sides agreed that the next round of the Strategic Dialogue will be held in Islamabad next year.