As Pakistan and China commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the seminar being organized by H.E. Yang Yundong, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Karachi, at the Chinese Consulate today, June 2, 2026, stands as a meaningful reminder of a relationship that has grown far beyond formal diplomacy. It is a celebration of trust, sacrifice, cooperation and shared destiny between two nations that have stood together through changing regional and global circumstances.
The Pakistan-China relationship is often described as higher than mountains, deeper than oceans, sweeter than honey and stronger than steel. Yet these words are not merely diplomatic expressions. They reflect a friendship built over decades through mutual respect, strategic trust, people-to-people warmth and cooperation in almost every field of national development. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on May 21, 1951, the two countries have supported each other at critical moments, defended each other’s core interests and worked together for regional peace, economic development and international stability.
The 75th anniversary is not only a ceremonial landmark. It is a moment of reflection on the past and a call to action for the future. Pakistan and China today are entering a new phase of cooperation under the upgraded vision of CPEC Phase II, with emphasis on agriculture, industry, information technology, transfer of technology, education, transport, green development, digital connectivity and business-to-business collaboration.
During Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China in May 2026, the two countries renewed their commitment to deepening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and advancing the high-quality development of CPEC. The visit also opened new avenues of cooperation through several understandings and memoranda in important sectors, including agriculture, industrial development, information technology, education, transport, science, technology and investment.
At this historic point, the role of Chinese diplomats in Pakistan deserves special recognition. H.E. Yang Yundong, Consul General of China in Karachi, has served during one of the busiest and most important periods in Pakistan-China relations. Over the last three years, he has remained highly active, visible and engaged across Karachi, Sindh and Balochistan. His tenure has been marked by tireless diplomatic outreach, cultural engagement, media interaction, business facilitation, educational cooperation and constant efforts to bring the people of Pakistan and China closer.
Karachi, being Pakistan’s commercial capital and a city of immense strategic importance, requires a diplomat who understands not only formal state relations but also business dynamics, media influence, cultural diplomacy and public sentiment. H.E. Yang Yundong has fulfilled this role with dedication, grace and remarkable energy. He has become one of the most popular and respected Consuls General in Karachi due to his accessibility, humility and consistent engagement with political leaders, business communities, journalists, academics, students and civil society representatives.
His efforts have made the Chinese Consulate in Karachi an active centre of friendship, dialogue and cooperation. Whether it is a cultural celebration, business meeting, media briefing, academic exchange or commemorative event, H.E. Yang Yundong has remained present, committed and energetic. The 75th anniversary seminar at the Chinese Consulate is another example of his dedication to keeping the spirit of Pakistan-China friendship alive at the public level.
For Karachi, this relationship carries special importance. Karachi is Pakistan’s financial, industrial, media and maritime hub. It has a large business community, active ports, universities, think tanks and a diverse population. The Chinese Consulate in Karachi has therefore played a central role in maintaining strong public diplomacy. Through the efforts of H.E. Yang Yundong and his team, the Consulate has remained deeply connected with local institutions and has created goodwill across many sectors.
H.E. Yang Yundong’s popularity in Karachi comes from the fact that he has remained accessible and active. He has attended community events, engaged with media, encouraged cultural activities, supported educational exchanges and worked to strengthen the emotional foundation of Pakistan-China friendship. A diplomat becomes memorable not only by issuing statements but by building bridges. H.E. Yang Yundong has built such bridges across Karachi, Sindh and Balochistan. His tenure will be remembered as a period of energetic outreach, warmth and dedication at a time when Pakistan-China relations were entering a new historic phase.
Before H.E. Yang Yundong, former Consuls General including H.E. Li Bijian, Wang Yu, Ma Yaou and Dr Mu Yongpeng also made valuable contributions to strengthening Pakistan-China friendship in Karachi. H.E. Li Bijian’s tenure is remembered for active engagement with business chambers, media organizations, educational institutions and provincial leadership. He worked with great commitment to deepen understanding between the two peoples and to highlight the importance of CPEC for Pakistan’s economic future. His efforts helped consolidate the goodwill that already existed in Karachi and prepared the ground for further expansion of people-centred diplomacy.
The continuity between the efforts of former Consuls General and present Consul General Yang Yundong is an important feature of Chinese diplomacy in Pakistan. Chinese representatives do not treat Pakistan-China friendship as a routine posting. They serve with a sense of mission. They understand that this relationship is rooted in emotion, history and shared aspirations. From Islamabad to Karachi, Lahore to Gwadar and Beijing to Shanghai, the diplomatic efforts of both countries have kept this friendship dynamic and future-oriented.
At the national level, H.E. Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of China to Pakistan, along with former Ambassadors Yao Jing and Nong Rong, has also played a vital role in taking bilateral relations to the next level. Ambassador Jiang’s diplomatic leadership has focused on strengthening strategic coordination, accelerating CPEC cooperation, encouraging Chinese investment and expanding cooperation beyond traditional infrastructure projects. He has repeatedly highlighted the value of political trust between the two countries and the importance of making CPEC a model of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
The first phase of CPEC helped Pakistan overcome serious energy shortages, improved road networks and created a foundation for regional connectivity. Now, the second phase of CPEC is expected to focus more on industrial modernization, agriculture, technology, exports, special economic zones and skills development. This shift is crucial because Pakistan needs not only roads and power plants but also factories, farms, digital platforms, modern logistics, value-added exports and trained human capital.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s May 2026 visit to China came at a highly significant time. As both countries celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations, the visit reinforced the message that Pakistan-China cooperation is moving from infrastructure-led development toward productivity-led development. The recent visit also reflected the shared desire of both countries to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, information technology, industrial relocation, education, transport, energy and digital economy.
This is exactly the direction Pakistan needs. In the past, economic cooperation often remained focused on large infrastructure. In the future, Pakistan must benefit from China’s experience in industrial planning, agricultural modernization, digital economy, e-commerce, vocational training, artificial intelligence, transport systems and special economic zones. China’s development journey offers important lessons for Pakistan: consistent planning, long-term policy, skills development, export-oriented industry and investment in human capital.
The joint emphasis on agriculture is particularly important. Pakistan is an agricultural country, but its productivity remains below potential. China has made extraordinary progress in seed technology, irrigation efficiency, mechanization, food processing and rural development. Cooperation in this sector can help Pakistan increase crop yields, reduce post-harvest losses, improve food security and develop agro-based exports. If CPEC Phase II can connect Chinese agricultural technology with Pakistan’s fertile land and farming communities, it can bring direct benefits to millions of people.
Industrial cooperation is another pillar of the future relationship. Pakistan needs to transform from a consumption-led economy into a production-led economy. Chinese support in special economic zones, manufacturing, industrial parks and supply chain integration can help Pakistan attract investment and increase exports. The challenge for Pakistan is to provide policy consistency, security, efficient regulation and skilled workers. China has repeatedly shown willingness to support Pakistan, but Pakistan must now ensure that opportunities are converted into practical results.
Information technology and digital cooperation are also emerging as major areas of partnership. Pakistan has a young population, growing IT talent and a strong freelancing base. China has world-leading capacity in e-commerce, digital payments, artificial intelligence, cloud platforms and smart infrastructure. Cooperation in IT can help Pakistan move into the global digital economy with greater confidence. Business-to-business engagements between Pakistani and Chinese companies are essential to convert this potential into employment, exports and innovation.
Education and technology transfer must become the soul of the next phase. Roads and ports connect territories, but education connects generations. Thousands of Pakistani students have studied in China and educational exchanges have helped create a bridge of understanding between the two peoples. More scholarships, joint research centres, language programmes, vocational institutes and university partnerships are needed. The establishment of technology research platforms can help Pakistan learn from Chinese experience and build its own capacity.
Transport and connectivity remain central to the Pakistan-China vision. The development of Gwadar, improvement of highways, modernization of logistics and strengthening of regional trade routes are not only economic issues but strategic necessities. Gwadar represents a shared dream of regional integration. With improved infrastructure, security and investor confidence, it can become a gateway for trade between China, Pakistan, Central Asia, the Middle East and beyond.
The challenge is to ensure that the local population of Balochistan also receives direct benefits in the form of employment, education, health, water, business opportunities and social development. True friendship produces inclusive development, and this principle must guide the next stage of CPEC.
The role of H.E. Khalil Hashmi, Ambassador of Pakistan to China, is also highly commendable. Since assuming his responsibilities in Beijing in November 2023, he has worked actively to deepen business-to-business cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and the all-weather strategic partnership. His efforts have focused on presenting Pakistan as a serious partner for Chinese investors, strengthening educational and cultural linkages and promoting practical cooperation in emerging sectors.
Ambassador Khalil Hashmi has rightly focused on transforming political trust into practical collaboration. His work in Beijing has helped create a stronger bridge between Pakistani institutions and Chinese stakeholders. He has remained active in promoting Pakistan’s investment potential, encouraging private sector engagement and strengthening the spirit of mutual respect between the two nations.
The 75-year journey of Pakistan-China relations has passed through many phases. In the early years, Pakistan was among the countries that recognized the People’s Republic of China and supported its legitimate position in the international community. Over time, the two countries developed strategic trust, supported each other at international forums and built defence, economic and diplomatic cooperation. In every decade, the relationship adjusted to new realities but never lost its essential spirit.
During difficult periods in Pakistan’s history, China stood with Pakistan. During moments of international pressure, China provided diplomatic support. During economic challenges, China invested in energy, infrastructure and connectivity. During natural disasters, China extended assistance. During global uncertainty, China and Pakistan continued to speak the language of partnership, not pressure.
This is why the relationship is called an all-weather friendship. It does not depend on temporary political changes, external pressures or transactional calculations. It is rooted in people’s hearts and supported by institutional cooperation. Governments may change, global alliances may shift and regional politics may fluctuate, but Pakistan-China friendship has remained consistent.
At the same time, friendship must not remain limited to emotions. It must produce results for ordinary people. The next 25 years should be the period in which Pakistan-China cooperation reaches households, farmers, students, entrepreneurs, researchers, small businesses and industrial workers. The real success of CPEC Phase II will be measured not only by the number of agreements signed but by the number of jobs created, factories established, exports increased, students trained and communities uplifted.
Pakistan must also understand that friendship creates opportunities, but success requires national discipline. To benefit fully from Chinese cooperation, Pakistan must improve governance, ensure security, reduce bureaucratic delays, maintain policy continuity and protect investors. Chinese friends have repeatedly expressed confidence in Pakistan’s future. Pakistan must now match that confidence with delivery.
Security of Chinese nationals and projects remains a top priority. The enemies of Pakistan-China friendship have repeatedly tried to target Chinese workers and create fear. Such attempts must be defeated through strong security measures, national unity and public awareness. Protecting Chinese brothers and sisters working in Pakistan is not only a security duty but also a moral obligation. They are contributing to Pakistan’s development, and their safety must remain non-negotiable.
The media also has an important role to play. Pakistani newspapers, television channels and digital platforms should highlight the depth of Pakistan-China cooperation with accuracy and responsibility. At the same time, they should encourage informed debate on how to make CPEC more inclusive, transparent and beneficial for ordinary citizens. Friendship becomes stronger when it is supported by knowledge, understanding and public participation.
Cultural diplomacy should also be expanded. Chinese language learning, student exchanges, film festivals, art exhibitions, academic conferences and media visits can bring the two societies closer. People-to-people contact is becoming an increasingly important part of the relationship, and Karachi can play a leading role in this area because of its diversity, openness and influence as Pakistan’s largest city.
The real beauty of Pakistan-China relations lies in mutual respect. China has never treated Pakistan as a temporary partner. Pakistan has never viewed China only through the lens of immediate benefit. Both countries have built this relationship on trust, shared interests and long-term vision. This is why the friendship has survived pressures, propaganda and geopolitical changes.
As the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, they stand at the threshold of a new era. The first 75 years built the foundation of political trust and strategic cooperation. The coming years must build prosperity, technology, industrial strength and people-centred development. The friendship must move from roads to research, from ports to production, from energy to education and from strategic slogans to social impact.
The seminar being organized by H.E. Yang Yundong at the Chinese Consulate in Karachi is therefore a timely and meaningful contribution to the 75th anniversary celebrations. It honours the historic journey of Pakistan-China friendship while opening a serious discussion on the future direction of this partnership. It also pays tribute to the leaders, diplomats, engineers, scholars, journalists, business representatives and citizens who have contributed to strengthening this iron brotherhood over the decades.
On this important occasion, the people of Pakistan extend warm congratulations to the government, leadership and people of China. Special appreciation is due to President Xi Jinping, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, Consul General Yang Yundong, former Consuls General and all Chinese diplomats who have worked with sincerity and dedication to advance this relationship. Equal appreciation is also due to Pakistan’s leadership, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi and all institutions working to deepen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.
The 75th anniversary is not the conclusion of a journey but the beginning of a more ambitious chapter. The first 75 years built the foundation of political trust, strategic understanding and people-to-people warmth. The coming decades must transform this foundation into shared prosperity, industrial progress, technological cooperation, educational advancement and inclusive development.
As CPEC enters its second phase and cooperation expands into agriculture, industry, information technology, education, transport and technology transfer, Pakistan and China have the opportunity to shape a development model that benefits not only both countries but the wider region. With sincere leadership, effective implementation and dedicated diplomats like H.E. Yang Yundong, this iron brotherhood will continue to remain a source of hope, strength and progress for generations to come.
