Chinese envoy calls for CPEC 2.0 and stronger global governance partnership

-- China, Pakistan pledge deeper strategic cooperation at a seminar

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong on Tuesday reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to elevating its all-weather strategic partnership with Pakistan, calling for accelerated implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), deeper bilateral cooperation and closer coordination on global governance and regional peace initiatives.

Addressing a seminar titled “Global Governance Initiative and the Development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor”, jointly organised by Xinhua News Agency and the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), the ambassador said the year marked a historic milestone as China and Pakistan celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

He said the enduring friendship between the two countries had withstood the test of time and continued to serve as a model of inter-state relations based on mutual trust, strategic cooperation and shared development.

Referring to recent exchanges between the leadership of the two countries, Ambassador Jiang said Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Asif Ali Zardari had exchanged congratulatory messages on the anniversary of diplomatic ties, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

He noted that President Xi, during his recent meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, emphasized that China had always placed Pakistan at a priority position in its neighbourhood diplomacy and expressed satisfaction that the cause of China-Pakistan friendship was being carried forward by a new generation.

The ambassador said both sides were committed to implementing the consensus reached by their leaders and advancing the construction of an even closer China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the new era.

Highlighting the significance of CPEC, Ambassador Jiang described the flagship Belt and Road Initiative project as a major driver of Pakistan’s economic transformation.

He stated that CPEC had brought more than $25.9 billion in direct Chinese investment to Pakistan, generated over 260,000 jobs, added more than 8,000 megawatts of electricity to the national grid, constructed 510 kilometres of expressways and developed 886 kilometres of key power transmission infrastructure.

According to the envoy, the next phase of cooperation, termed CPEC 2.0, would focus on agriculture, industry and mining, while promoting coordinated development across all sectors of bilateral cooperation.

He said China and Pakistan would continue work on major infrastructure projects, including the second phase of the Karakoram Highway realignment, while simultaneously expanding people-centred initiatives designed to improve livelihoods.

The ambassador highlighted the “Hundred-Thousand-Ten Thousand Initiative” in Balochistan, under which China plans to construct 100 water supply facilities, renovate 1,000 classrooms and distribute 100,000 educational support kits to students.

Turning to international affairs, Ambassador Jiang underscored the importance of China’s Global Governance Initiative, proposed by President Xi Jinping, which advocates sovereign equality, adherence to international law, genuine multilateralism and people-centred development.

He said Pakistan had strongly supported the initiative, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif describing it as a significant step toward strengthening multilateralism and addressing the concerns of developing countries.

The envoy also highlighted growing China-Pakistan coordination on regional and global issues, particularly efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.

He noted that China and Pakistan had jointly introduced a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and the broader Middle East region. He added that President Xi had appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts and mediating role in reducing regional tensions.

Ambassador Jiang stressed that both countries would continue to work closely on major international issues, support the central role of the United Nations, oppose unilateralism and Cold War-era thinking, and promote a more equitable multipolar international order.

Concluding his address, the ambassador praised the role of media organisations, think tanks and academic institutions in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.

He particularly acknowledged the contributions of Xinhua News Agency and ISSI in promoting awareness of CPEC and advancing the narrative of China-Pakistan friendship.

Expressing confidence in the future of bilateral relations, Ambassador Jiang said the two countries would continue to deepen practical cooperation, strengthen multilateral coordination and make greater contributions to regional peace, stability and global development.