ISLAMABAD: Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman of PCI, at the Pakistan-China Dialogue hosted by the Pakistan-China Institute (PCI) on Thursday, emphasized the importance of soft power in countering disinformation and promoting mutual understanding between Pakistan and China.
The dialogue, held under the theme “Strengthening Mutual Understanding Between Pakistan and China and Building a Community with a Shared Future for Neighbouring Countries,” saw the participation of leaders, diplomats, parliamentarians, students, and scholars.
The event celebrated the enduring partnership between Pakistan and China, often referred to as “Iron Brothers,” and discussed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a catalyst for peace, prosperity, and regional connectivity.
During his keynote address, Mushahid Hussain highlighted the shift in global power dynamics, with economic and political power moving from the West to the East, signaling the rise of Asia. He praised China’s peaceful rise as a source of strength for developing nations, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Mushahid condemned the increasing Cold War rhetoric, particularly the establishment of the US Congress’s “Countering PRC Influence Fund,” which allocates US$325 million annually from 2023 to 2027 to counter China’s global influence. He described this initiative as a “Cold-War-era throwback” that diverts resources from development and dialogue, urging for more cooperative paradigms in global affairs.
Ambassador Hu Zhaoming, Spokesperson of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), also addressed the gathering, reinforcing the strong bond between Pakistan and China. He emphasized the BRI’s role in promoting global connectivity and its positive impact on China’s inland development and international partnerships.
Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Kharal, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Climate Change, echoed China’s advocacy for a multipolar world order based on equality and non-intervention. Former Foreign Secretary Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry called for the promotion of cooperative paradigms, particularly during a period of global uncertainty.
Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law and Justice, proposed expanding regional-language media and including Afghanistan in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), highlighting the importance of building soft-power bridges for enhanced regional cooperation.
The dialogue, which brought together students, scholars, and professionals from various sectors, also discussed concrete proposals for enhancing people-to-people ties and the role of soft power in fostering greater collaboration between the two nations.
