Pakistan-China diplomatic relations began in May 1951, and both nations are approaching their diamond jubilee of cooperation ties. Both nations have shocked the world through their long and unbreakable relationship and strong brotherhood. This bilateral collaboration can best be described by the metaphor “higher than the Himalayas, deeper than oceans”. The bond between the two nations emerged as a necessity for geopolitics and infrastructure, evolving into a more multidimensional alliance with digital, cultural, and economic implications.
Pakistan was the first Muslim nation to recognize the People’s Republic of China in 1950, and China has used its veto power and diplomatic weight to protect Pakistani interests multiple times. As we enter the new era of the 75-year blood bond, where digital assets and cultural ties are equally important as defence equipment, highways, and infrastructure of the 20th century. China reaffirmed building the concept “Closer China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future in the New Era.” In their 2025-2029 action plan.
From Concrete to Silicon: The Evolution of Bilateral Ties
For decades, the Belt and Road Initiative, especially the Karakoram Highway, was viewed as the symbolic connection between the nations. Known as the 8th wonder of the world, but the bilateral ties have moved beyond just road and infrastructure to soft ties. The relationship has transformed from a hard (road and infrastructure) to a digital revolution. China and Pakistan’s brotherhood now stands on the pillars such as biotechnology, aerospace, and information technology. China assisted Pakistan in launching its satellite, PRSS1, and PakTES-1A outer space on one of its rockets. It now serves as a major data-sharing tool for disaster management and urban planning. This illustrates a strong bond between both nations in the digital sector, just like any other development initiative.
China-Pakistan cooperation in high-tech sectors has massive economic implications, unlike the traditional model of partnership, where a major supporting role is just technological transfer; both are stakeholders in mutual development in advanced tech and cultural integration sectors. China is supporting Pakistan to transform its agrarian economy into a digitalized services and manufacturing hub. China and Pakistan recently signed MOUs that are planning to help Pakistan in quantum computing technology and build national centres for a digitalized future.
Trade and Agriculture: The New Economic Frontiers
Historically, the balance of trade has favoured China, but the narratives have changed. In the second phase of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA-II), the bilateral trade volume surpassed the 20-billion-dollar mark, unlike the historical trade imbalance. Pakistan is offering a unique opportunity in the current time frame, where the rising labour cost in China provides an opportunity for Pakistan to provide a floor for Chinese manufacturing units. The FTA eliminated tariffs on 313 priority tariff lines for Pakistan.
However, the most profound impact of this era is in the agriculture sector, which is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. The new era is the green era, quite literally. Joint ventures such as the chilli farming initiative and the buffalo genetic improvement laboratories in Lahore by China’s royal group. These projects are not just financial investments, but rather highlight China’s clear intention in food security and modernizing farming practices.
The Cultural Bridge: Confucius Institutes and Soft Power
Confucius Institutes in multiple Pakistani institutes, like in University of Punjab, the University of Sargodha, and NUML, provide pathways to ensure cultural connectivity and cultural exchange. These institutes teach the Chinese language, but the operations are not limited to just the Chinese language; rather, a vast and diverse learning opportunities in cultural and social norms and ethics.
China is offering scholarships and research opportunities to students in reputed Chinese institutions in different bachelor’s, master’s, and PHD programs. Over 28000 Pakistani students are pursuing higher education in different top Chinese institutions. This personnel is the true face of the China-Pakistan long-term bilateral relationship. Graduates from these Chinese institutions return with their degree, along with the Chinese work ethic and culture. This lowers the cultural barriers while integrating Chinese projects here in Pakistan to regulate cooperation, empathy, and long-term cooperation in development.
The Iron Shield: Defence and Security Cooperation
Defence cooperation is the backbone of the pak-china relationship. This relationship has evolved from simple procurement to joint production, research, and development. The JF-17 Thunder program is a major development in strategic autonomy. The jointly produced fighter jet is now the most effective and deadly weapon against all the evil forces that threaten both nations.
Induction of type 054A/P frigates and development of Hangor-class submarine project, and the launch of PNS Mangro show a deep collaboration in naval defence projects. Pakistan holds a very geopolitical and strategic importance and volatility. Peace and balance is ensured by this mutual bond and defence support to each other.
Diplomatic Fortresses and the Multipolar Future.
Pakistan has always backed up China in many global forums. Diplomatic support to Pakistan in major international forums like the UNCS, NSG, and FATF has always been a major priority for China. And China’s defence of Pakistan in the Kashmir issue has always been a pressure point in this bilateral relationship. Despite the negatives, China has always shielded Pakistan from international sanctions.
The Sino-Pakistan alliance is the best descriptive model for the mutual relationship and cooperation. The community with a shared future is more than just a slogan; it is the base of a strong community with similar agendas for success and development. Just like China, Pakistan is fully supporting the “one China policy.” Pakistan firmly holds the ideology of China on Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Tibet.
Conclusion
The 75 years of Pakistan and China’s relationship have evolved from a development and defence-centric focus to a bilateral relationship based on soft power, cultural exchange, and digitalization. This relationship has evolved from a give-and-take relationship to developing a shared future and harmony between both nations. Student exchange and international scholarships for students in China, boosting the students of both nations to provide a better on-site opportunity to deeply understand the cultural values, so that it could be easier for future generations to adapt upcoming initiatives and future agendas.\
Together, both nations are paving a pathway not just for investment opportunities but rather mutual cooperation and a better shared future.
Participant of ICSF-UoS Fellowship Program 2025-26 at University of Sargodha.
