KARACHI: As regional tensions simmer in the wake of a short yet consequential military standoff between Pakistan and India, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s timely arrival in Beijing marks more than just another diplomatic visit. It heralds a renewed affirmation of the China-Pakistan “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” – a relationship time-tested through crises, forged in shared interests, and propelled by a joint vision for regional peace and economic elevation.
The urgency of Dar’s visit, following the recent four-day conflict with India over the Pahalgam incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), reveals Islamabad’s dual-track approach: robust military deterrence paired with high-level diplomatic manoeuvring. India’s accusation of Pakistani involvement in the attack, despite lacking credible evidence, led to a barrage of missile strikes targeting Pakistani territory. But what followed was a masterclass in calibrated defence and strategic alliance-building.
Pakistan’s response, both agile and composed, was buttressed significantly by its collaboration with China – a partner that has consistently walked its talk. Chinese J-10C fighter jets equipped with PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles were reportedly deployed in active coordination with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), successfully downing six Indian jets, including the much-vaunted Rafale fighters sourced from France. This unprecedented tactical synergy not only bolstered Pakistan’s aerial dominance but also served as a real-world validation of Chinese military technology over its Western counterparts.
Behind the scenes, Beijing played a pivotal role not only in terms of defence logistics but also in amplifying Pakistan’s diplomatic voice. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi maintained continuous communication with Ishaq Dar in the lead-up to the current visit, reportedly coordinating efforts to deter escalation and promote a ceasefire brokered with US facilitation.
While Indian media spins speculations and downplays Pakistan’s resolute defence, Chinese spokespersons have adopted a tone of calm authority. Mao Ning, speaking on behalf of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, reiterated China’s principled stance on peace, dialogue, and non-escalation – while unequivocally standing behind Pakistan’s sovereignty and right to defend its people.
The temporary ceasefire, effective till May 18 and potentially extendable, was described by Islamabad as a step toward phased de-escalation. While Indian rhetoric remains oscillatory, signals from their military establishment suggest a quiet willingness to uphold the truce. This is no doubt influenced by the strategic shift in regional power dynamics post-conflict – a shift that has clearly tilted in Pakistan’s favour, thanks in large part to its synergistic partnership with China.
Economic undercurrents – CPEC and beyond: Beyond the battlefield, the Dar visit is poised to yield dividends in another critical domain: economic revival. As Pakistan eyes sustainable growth amidst global uncertainty, it is the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) – a centrepiece of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – that remains Islamabad’s most potent development artery. Dar’s visit is expected to firm up agreements on fresh investments in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and digital technology.
Insiders suggest that new announcements may be made over the next two days, possibly including a high-speed rail network extension and new SEZ (Special Economic Zone) clusters in Punjab and Balochistan. These would not only accelerate job creation and industrial growth but also cement Pakistan’s role as a logistics and trade hub connecting Central Asia, China, and the Arabian Sea.
China, for its part, recognises the significance of a stable and prosperous Pakistan in the regional equation. As Mao Ning noted, the visit reflects “Islamabad’s importance attached to developing China-Pakistan relations.” Strategic communication, defence cooperation, and cross-sectoral investment – these are the keystones of the new phase of China-Pakistan engagement.
Interestingly, the US, under President Donald Trump, has shown renewed trade interest in Pakistan following its diplomatic role in de-escalating the conflict. While traditional security arrangements between Washington and New Delhi remain intact, there is a quiet recognition within the White House of Pakistan’s growing importance as both a geopolitical stabiliser and a promising market for American investment.
Pakistan’s deft military victory, coupled with the statesmanship of Shehbaz Sharif’s government and the diplomatic finesse of Dar, has not gone unnoticed.
In a region increasingly defined by contesting ambitions, Islamabad has made a powerful case for itself as a credible, confident, and forward-looking nation.
None of this is unfolding in a vacuum. Prime Minister MianShehbaz Sharif’s government has worked tirelessly to rebuild trust with international partners, revive the economy, and maintain internal cohesion. From revamping tax infrastructure to unlocking IMF tranches and re-engaging with Gulf and Chinese investors, the PML-N administration has adopted a pragmatic yet progressive agenda.
Dar’s visit to Beijing is therefore not just diplomatic optics. It is an embodiment of the government’s broader vision: to restore Pakistan’s economic resilience, deepen strategic ties with proven allies, and shape a regional architecture built not on rivalry but on reciprocal growth and peace.
As talks continue in Beijing over the next 72 hours, attention will naturally turn to the press briefings and joint statements that follow. Will new investment frameworks be announced? Will defence cooperation be institutionalised through joint task forces? Will CPEC 2.0 embrace climate resilience and digital infrastructure?
Whatever the specifics, one truth has already emerged: the China-Pakistan partnership, once rooted in ideological camaraderie, has now evolved into a multifaceted alliance – military, economic, diplomatic, and strategic.
Pakistan has emerged from this recent conflict not just with military credibility intact but with heightened regional and global relevance. In this resurgence lies the promise of a nation ready to reclaim its economic and geopolitical potential – powered by the strength of its friendships and the clarity of its leadership.
