Pakistan and China are marking 75 years of diplomatic ties with renewed emphasis on economic cooperation and regional connectivity as officials from both countries say the relationship has evolved far beyond traditional diplomacy, into what they describe as an all-weather strategic partnership.
At the center of that partnership remains the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, or CPEC.
The CPEC, launched in 2013 as the flagship of the Belt and Road Initiative, has made substantial progress over the years, moving from blueprints to power plants and ports. It profoundly transformed Pakistan's economic landscape, reshaping its connectivity, energy security, and development outlook while deepening its strategic partnership with China.
But now, both sides say the focus is shifting toward what many here call "CPEC Phase Two".
"In this new phase, we will see greater business-to-business cooperation, we will see modernization of agriculture in Pakistan, we will see greater people-to-people contacts, particularly in the areas of human resources development and the area of technological cooperation," said Ahsan Iqbal, Pakistani Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives.
Officials from Pakistan also say that improving security and investor confidence remain key priorities as the country seeks greater Chinese investment.
Meanwhile, Chinese analysts say Pakistan remains strategically important to the country's regional connectivity vision.
"Now all private (sectors) come to Pakistan for doing business in the solar energy, and environmental treatment or some technical fields, mostly in the service and product fields," said La Jielian, chairman of Pakistan Overseas Chinese Association.
With Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif's upcoming visit to China, analysts here say the partnership is also gaining significance amid global economic uncertainty and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
"The current situation also needs these types of positive steps to meet with the different countries' representatives, countries' people, to do different visits, to bring peace and stability to the region," said Kamran Raja, an analyst.
Officials from both countries say the coming years will focus on expanding practical cooperation and accelerating economic projects, as the two countries continue to project their partnership as one built on long-term strategic trust.
Pakistan, China mark 75 years of bilateral ties, jointly advance CPEC phase two
