Chinese modernization and Pakistan-China relations

KARACHI: Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR), Karachi and Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China, jointly hosted a seminar on “Chinese Modernization and Pakistan-China Relations” at Chinese Consulate Karachi. The Seminar was being organized to mark the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s visit to Pakistan. The event was attend by members of diplomatic corps, government officials, business community, academics, and members of PCFR.
Yang Yundong, Consul General of China in Karachi, greeted the worthy guests in his welcome address. Consul General Yundong said that President Xi’s historic state visit to Pakistan ushered in a new chapter in the traditional friendship and bilateral relations between the two countries. He maintained that China’s modernization had consistently promoted high-quality development, joining hands with Pakistan on the path towards shared prosperity, advancing together, and mutually reinforcing each other’s progress.
Irfan Soomro, Director General, Foreign Affairs’ Liaison Office Karachi while presenting his remarks on the subject said that in a world where block politics has become outdated, the multipolar approach of China’s modernization has offered equal opportunities of growth for all the nations. He further said that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a promise of nation building and co-progressiveness.
Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Former Governor State Bank and Finance Minister of Pakistan also spoke on the occasion. Dr. Akhtar said that China envisages a world of lasting peace and that Chinese modernization is not just an advancement but promotes collective progress, dedicated partnering with other nations. She said that CPEC has contributed to infrastructure, energy, and trade development in Pakistan.
Dr. Akhtar further said that regular high-level visits and agreements have reinforced the partnership, with both sides contributing to collaboration in areas including regional security, trade, and economic development.
Ambassador G R Baluch, highlighted the rise of China as a technology power and its impacts around the globe. Ambassador Baluch maintained that today China is one of the leading players in modern technologies including 5G, AI, and Semiconductors. China’s technological rise has prompted positive and negative responses from other countries. Ambassador Baloch further remarked that in this age of technology, China could lead the world with “Global Ethical Charter for use of AI and Emerging Technologies” with backing of UN resolutions.
Ambassador Hasan Habib also spoke on the occasion. Ambassador Habib said that Chinese modernization can be traced into two phases one first under Deng Xiaoping and second under president Xi Jinping’s. Ambassador Habib maintained that Chinese modernization has had profound and wide-reaching impacts on Asia, shaping economic, political, and geopolitical dynamics across the region. He remarked that Pakistan- a close neighbor and friend of China- has largely benefitted from projects under CPEC and technology support in agri-sector. He said that recent tariffs imposed by the US has triggered concerns across the globe and Pakistan and other Asian are exploring deeper economic ties with China to mitigate the impact of US tariffs.
Prof. Zhang Jiegen of Fudan University, Shanghai, participated in the seminar through video link. Prof. Zhang said that in 2012, the Chinese Modernization entered into a new era which is not only a path to realize national rejuvenation but it also presents a remarkable opportunity for shared development between China and the rest of the world. CPEC- the flagship project of BRI- has offered Pakistan opportunities of benefiting from Chinese modernization. He maintained that CPEC is not only an economic corridor but an integrated economic uplift program for Pakistan.
Zubair Tufail, Chairman PCFR while presenting concluding remarks thanked and appreciated all the participants for their valuable contributions to the discussion. Tufail said that the Chinese modernization is largely felt in the west especially in the US. He remarked that the US’s reaction to China’s modernization more than the normal. He further said Pakistan and China stand tall with each and have been supporting each other in every situation. We have share future characterized by mutual respect, growth, and progress, Tufail maintained. The event was attended by members of diplomatic corps, businessmen, academics, and researchers.