Pakistan, China Boost Trade Ties, Back Regional Stability
Beijing: Pakistan and China have pledged to strengthen trade and investment ties while emphasizing close communication, following recent tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi. The agreement came during Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s meeting with Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on May 20.
Ceasefire Support
The talks followed a fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan on May 10 after four days of intense clashes the worst in nearly 30 years. The conflict was triggered by a deadly attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26 people. Wang Yi reiterated China’s support for dialogue, stating, “China welcomes efforts by Pakistan and India to resolve differences through talks and achieve a lasting ceasefire.”
Sovereignty & Economic Ties
Wang assured Pakistan of China’s backing in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement. Both nations agreed to expand collaboration in trade, investment, agriculture, and industrialization.
Afghanistan’s Role in CPEC Expansion
In a separate trilateral meeting with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, the leaders agreed to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan, furthering Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The next round of talks will be held in Kabul.
