China-Pakistan friendship enters new era as Year of the Horse Begins: Consul General Yang

Manzar Naqvi

KARACHI: China and Pakistan’s ironclad friendship has grown “more refined and resilient,” reaching new heights through expanding cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and strong media engagement, Consul General Yang Yundong said on Thursday while addressing the 2026 Chinese New Year Media Reception at the Chinese Consulate.
Welcoming journalists from across Sindh and Balochistan, the Consul General said the Year of the Horse symbolizes vitality, courage and success, expressing confidence that 2026 would bring fresh momentum to bilateral relations. He praised Pakistani media for acting as a bridge of understanding between the two nations, calling journalists a “mirror” reflecting the steady progress of China-Pakistan ties.
Over the past year, he noted, practical cooperation between China and Pakistan-particularly in Sindh and Balochistan-has advanced across multiple sectors, underpinned by strategic guidance from the leadership of both countries and strong public support. He credited the media with highlighting cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, artificial intelligence and new technologies, thereby strengthening public awareness and mutual trust.
The Consul General emphasized the importance of media exchange visits to China, describing them as a powerful tool for deepening people-to-people bonds. Journalists who travelled to China, he said, witnessed first-hand the country’s development, cultural heritage and rural transformation, experiences that have reinforced their role as advocates of bilateral friendship.
Turning to the economic outlook, Yang said 2025-China’s final year of the 14th Five-Year Plan-had been challenging amid global slowdown and rising protectionism, yet China achieved stable growth of around five percent, with GDP reaching 140 trillion yuan. He said the achievements reflected deepened reforms, innovation-driven development, an expanding consumer market and accelerated green transition.
Looking ahead, he said 2026 marks the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, with a focus on high-quality growth, innovation, the “AI Plus” initiative, green development and high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. China, he stressed, would continue to share development opportunities with partner countries, including Pakistan.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the year ahead, Yang said 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations. He recalled the recent visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to China, where he co-chaired the seventh Strategic Dialogue with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, describing the engagement as a strong signal of the special nature of bilateral ties.
He said the anniversary offered an opportunity to further strengthen the China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and accelerate the “upgraded version” of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, ensuring broader social impact and long-term benefits for both peoples.
Concluding his address, the Consul General urged the media to continue telling the story of China-Pakistan friendship “with the spirit of a galloping horse,” as both countries work toward a shared future. He extended New Year greetings to journalists and reaffirmed China’s commitment to Pakistan, declaring: “China-Pakistan Dosti Zindabad.”
Senior journalists Manzar Naqvi, Iqbal Baloch, and Nasim Haider also addressed the gathering, sharing their firsthand experiences of recent visits to China. They highlighted China’s rapid modernization, technological advancement, and the vision of a shared future under Chinese development policies. The speakers warmly congratulated the Chinese nation on the upcoming Lunar New Year 2026, which begins in February and is symbolized by the Year of the Horse-an emblem of vitality, progress, and success.
The ceremony formally commenced with the national anthems of Pakistan and China, underscoring the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries. Prior to the address by Consul General Yang Yundong, documentary videos showcasing China’s modernization achievements and Chinese New Year celebrations were screened for the audience. The event proceedings were smoothly and elegantly conducted by Xie Shuye, who received appreciation for managing the ceremony with grace and professionalism.