BEIJING: The Chinese Vice Premier HE Lifeng landed in Islamabad on a three-day visit to attend a government-sponsored ceremony, thereby marking the 10th anniversary of their infrastructure development collaboration under China’s global Belt and Road Initiative. Both countries say CPEC has brought more than $25 billion in direct Chinese investment to Pakistan, establishing power plants, developing the strategically located deepwater Pakistani port of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea and building transport infrastructure. HE Lifeng’s current visit to Pakistan provides a new modus vivendi to the future of Pak-China friendship.
The Pak-China friendship has witnessed several strategic, diplomatic and economic pacts, strengthening their relationship. Earlier, the nature of the relationship was attentive to diplomacy and military; however, both states started promoting economic relations that led to the free trade agreement and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).They share the history of internal instability instigated by nefarious non-state actors, which provides both nations an insight into each other’s problems incited by internal and external elements. Historically, China has never wanted India to establish its hegemony in the region.
Therefore, the resilient nature of both states in the face of adversities and shared interests makes them natural allies.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that China hopes that Lifeng’s visit will be an opportunity to implement the important consensus reached between leaders of the two countries, continue to build on past achievements and upgrade the development of the CPEC. “Over the past decade, as an important pioneering project of the BRI, CPEC has achieved fruitful results and become a new benchmark for the friendship between China and Pakistan”.
The countries “are all-weather strategic cooperative partners and iron-clad friends,” the Ministry added. As Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission from 2017 to 2023, Vice Premier was instrumental in the planning and successful execution of numerous CPEC projects in Pakistan. His visit is a testament to the enduring bond between the two countries and their commitment to enhancing their strategic partnership.
The 10th-anniversary celebrations marked a decade of successful collaboration and joint projects in infrastructure, energy and economic development projects that have significantly impacted the lives of people in both nations. As the chief guest at this special event, Vice Premier He Lifeng’s presence symbolizes the friendship and shared vision between China and Pakistan. –Agencies
