In world politics, there is exchange of new friendships and new alliances, but today I want to talk about a country a country on the world map that has always stood by Pakistan, in every situation, at every difficult time. Whenever Pakistan needed help, this nation extended its hand with sincerity and never left Pakistan alone. The friendship between Pakistan and China needs no introduction. Whenever Pakistan faces a challenging situation, China stands by our side. I would say that our friendship and relationship with China are truly unique they have no parallel or comparison with any other country. History bears witness whether it was the 1965 or 1971 war, China always supported Pakistan. In the area of defense collaboration, nearly 70% of Pakistan’s defense cooperation is with China. Projects like Chashma Power Plant I and II were built with Chinese cooperation. When Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in 1998 and the European countries especially the United States pressured Pakistan to sign the CTBT, China was the only country that fully supported Pakistan. Later, when the U.S. attacked Afghanistan in 2001, India tried to created trouble for Pakistan, but even then, China declared that any aggression against Pakistan would be considered aggression against China. How can we forget such a strategic partner, an all-weather friend, an elder brother, and a valuable neighbor. We cannot, nor can we ever place this friendship on the same level as any other. China has always been sincere, committed, trustworthy, and will remain trustworthy. From 2001 to 2013, Pakistan faced immense challenges the so-called war on terror took the lives of more than 78,000 Pakistanis and the economy suffered heavily. Foreign investment dried up and countries hesitated to engage with Pakistan. During that period, China once again emerged as a dependable brother and friend. In 2007, Pakistan and China signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Pakistan granted Most Favored Nation (MFN) status to China. When the 2010 floods struck Pakistan, China was the first to help. During the 2005 earthquake, China was also at the forefront. When Pakistan’s textile industry began shifting abroad due to power shortages, terrorism and lack of investment, China presented the gift of CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor). In 2015, when President Xi Jinping visited Pakistan at a time when Pakistan was facing international isolation under the label of terrorism the visit was historic. He signed $46 billion worth of projects, the largest Chinese investment outside China at that time. This showed China’s deep trust in Pakistan, shocking the world. From 2015 to 2025, CPEC has brought revolutionary development to Pakistan’s previously backward regions. On the international stage, China has consistently stood with Pakistan.
In 2019, when India tried to suppress the Kashmir issue by removing Articles 370 and 35A, China was the only major power to stand by Pakistan. It even helped convene a special UN General Assembly session to address Kashmir. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, China went above and beyond to help Pakistan sending medical equipment, vaccines and facilitating Pakistani students in China. How can we forget such efforts, such sincerity, love, and compassion. Pakistanis are not ungrateful we remember. In 2022, when Pakistan faced devastating floods, China again stood shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan. From Sindh to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad and the Chinese people sent generous aid and gifts. Geostrategic ally and geopolitically, whenever Pakistan faces challenges, China is always there. China is selfless, consistent and promotes peaceful policies, unlike the U.S and European countries, whose friendships are self-serving and temporary. History shows that America’s friendships are opportunistic once its objectives are achieved, it quietly leaves. But China’s friendship is genuine. The people of Pakistan deeply value this relationship. For us, China feels like our second home respected, valued, and loved because China has never interfered in Pakistan’s internal affairs.
Whenever Pakistan faced Indian aggression or U.S. manipulations, China stood with us and promoted peace. That’s why Pakistanis love China wholeheartedly. The development, construction, and stability brought by CPEC the credit goes entirely to China. In recent times, Pakistan’s Prime Minister has been building new dimensions of relations with the U.S and while it is good to maintain balanced relations, Pakistan must never compromise its friendship with China. For temporary personal or political gains, we must never betray our strong, time-tested friend. If Pakistan ever needs to sideline anyone for its national interest, it can be any country in the world but not China. Our strategic partnership and all-weather friendship with China are based on trust, sincerity and mutual respect. Even in 2025, when China helped Pakistan in its conflict with India, China’s importance and respect grew even further. Therefore, Pakistan must act wisely maintain balanced ties with the U.S but never compromise its relationship with China.
Today, the tree of China-Pakistan friendship has grown wide and strong its roots are deep in the hearts of the people. As Pakistanis, we will continue to nurture and strengthen this precious bond, and we will always support our second home China.
Long live Pakistan-China friendship!
Pak-China Dosti Zindabad!
