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Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, China agree to deepen ties
Listen to article The foreign ministers of Pakistan and China on Wednesday agreed to further bolster their bilateral cooperation in order to promote regional peace, stability and development. Senator Ishaq Dar and Wang Yi met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Tianjin and reviewed bilateral ties and discussed regional and international development. The meeting took place before Dar wrapped up his three-day trip to China where he went to attend the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting. A statement issued by the Foreign Office said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed the two countries' commitment to strengthen their strategic partnership. Dar congratulated Wang Yi on the successful hosting of the SCO foreign ministers' meeting and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by China during the event. The two leaders held extensive discussions on issues of mutual interest, including progress on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and enhanced multilateral cooperation. Underscoring the significance of the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, both sides expressed satisfaction over their ongoing close collaboration across various fields. They also reiterated their resolve to further bolster bilateral ties to promote regional peace, stability, and development. The two ministers also discussed the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took China. The prime minister is set to attend the SCO heads of governments meeting in late August but he will also meet President Xi Jinping. According to officials familiar with the development, the prime minister will be accompanied by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. The upcoming trip by Pakistan's top civil and military leadership carries added significance in the wake of the four-day military conflict with India during which Pakistan gained the upper hand, with its air force shooting down six Indian fighter jets, including the French-made Rafale. The conflict drew attention to China's military hardware, with several Western capitals closely monitoring the developments in South Asia. Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets and beyond-visual-range PL-15 missiles played a critical role. However, it was Pakistan's indigenous systems integration that made the Chinese hardware even lethal. During a recent visit to Pakistan, the chief of the Chinese Air Force expressed a keen interest in learning from Pakistan's combat experience and multi-domain operations. In a related development, the Indian Deputy Chief of Army Staff recently claimed that India was engaged in a two-front conflict, while pointing out Chinese involvement in Pakistan's military success. Pakistan procures 80 per cent of its military hardware from China. However, the Pakistan army chief at a recent Corps Commanders' meeting clarified that the May conflict was "unmistakably bilateral". Meanwhile, Foreign Minister returned to Islamabad after concluding a successful two-day visit to China for the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers, according to his office. In addition to participating in the main SCO CFM proceedings and the joint call on President Xi Jinping, the DPM/FM held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from SCO member states, it said. China's foreign minister said on Wednesday that China was willing to deepen cooperation with Pakistan in agriculture, industry and mining, as he met with his Pakistani counterpart in Tianjin, according to a Chinese statement. China "supports Pakistan in carrying out its anti-terrorism operations" and believes Pakistan would "do its utmost" to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Pakistan's Ishaq Dar. With additional input from Reuters
Express Tribune
12 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
From maps to minerals
Listen to article China's recent actions on India's northern frontier have gone beyond mere symbolism. From altering maps to weaponising minerals, the intent is clear: to recast geopolitical narratives in Beijing's favour while undermining India's sovereignty. The depiction of Jammu & Kashmir as "Occupied Kashmir" and Arunachal Pradesh as "South Tibet" on official Chinese maps is a strategic move, not a cartographic slip. It is the sign of ever-tougher stance, as geography is turned into the instrument of policy — or, rather, the instrument of influence. Take for instance the re-designation of Ladakh as "Chinese territory" and the integration of Aksai Chin into Xinjiang's administrative structure. These are bureaucratic acts with military and diplomatic weight. When a state sets on the institutionalisation of its claims, it is not just doing the same in preparation of international negotiations, but long-term strategic consolidation as well. The Line of Actual Control which was infested with tensions experiences even more tensions when such pressures are mounted. Yet the map is only one layer. Economic coercion now forms a parallel front. It is not surprising to see China suspending its export of rare earth magnets to India especially since the magnets are important in both the auto industry and the defence sector. This is following the India blockade of any Chinese tech firms such as Huawei or TikTok. In that regard, China is playing with power of dominance in its critical supply chains. It is not just retaliation on India although it must be seen as sending a common message: decoupling with China has its costs. This pressure is so subtle and effective that it makes it insidious. To make the situation worse, India is caught between a two-front dilemma. Those stand-offs with border contention against China and Pakistan are getting combined. Be that as it may, the strategic net is woven the same way; Indian bandwidth is exhausted. It has to cope not only with physical defence but with the economic and diplomatic effect of two antagonist sides. This will have a pinch effect as the regional fault-lines intensify which can be seen to create a weak spot in India in terms of military deterrence as well as economic resilience. Compounding the challenge, China, with its expanding regional influence and growing engagement in South Asian geopolitics, is subtly positioning itself as a potential arbiter in the Kashmir issue, thereby inserting itself into one of India's most sensitive domestic matters. Meanwhile, the Pak-China synergy, going beyond CPEC, is matured into an enlarged regional combination that is currently extending to the incorporation of Afghanistan, Iran and Central Asia. These backbones are not merely economic backbones, they are turning around the strategic houses of the region. The outreach via Afghanistan is associated with several advantages: it enhances the use of transit, the reconstruction, and the prevention of extremism along vulnerable boundaries. A more stable western frontier of Pakistan and China is an economic advantage as well as cushioning them against unrest spilling over from Afghanistan. Ultimately, the lines being redrawn - both on maps and through policies - reveal a seismic shift. China, with Pakistan as a strategic partner, is not just challenging India. It is reshaping South Asia's geopolitical reality. For India, the response must go beyond reaction. It must think in terms of long-term regional recalibration, economic self-reliance and narrative control. It's because the battlefield now stretches from borders to supply chains, from digital bans to diplomatic boards. And in this new terrain, ambiguity is no longer an option.
Express Tribune
21 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Dar meets Chinese FM Wang Yi on sidelines of SCO summit
Listen to article Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Tianjin. Dar congratulated his Chinese counterpart on the successful hosting of the summit and thanked Beijing for the hospitality extended to Pakistan's delegation. Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 met today with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Tianjin. DPM/FM congratulated FM Wang Yi on the successful hosting of the SCO CFM… — Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 16, 2025 The two leaders held discussions on shared strategic priorities, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and multilateral cooperation within regional and international platforms. Both sides emphasised the strength of the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, expressing satisfaction over their close coordination across political, economic, and security domains. Read: Deputy PM urges coordination for investment gains According to the statement, Dar and Wang reiterated their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation aimed at promoting regional peace, development, and stability. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Dar described the visit as successful, thanked the Chinese government for its warm hospitality, and acknowledged the efforts of Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy in Beijing for their role in ensuring smooth diplomatic engagement. As I conclude my 2-day visit to China, I extend my sincere gratitude to the Government of China for their gracious hospitality and impeccable arrangements. It was a pleasure to engage in meaningful discussions with my counterparts on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign… — Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) July 16, 2025 Earlier on Tuesday, Dar addressed the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers, where he reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to regional stability, multilateral cooperation, and peaceful dispute resolution. Dar described the SCO as a stabilising platform amid deepening global geopolitical uncertainty and praised China's leadership in steering the organisation's agenda forward. He also welcomed Belarus as the newest full member of the regional bloc. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to visit China in August, accompanied by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, to further advance bilateral ties and discuss recent regional developments, including the May conflict with India.
Arab News
a day ago
- Business
- Arab News
Senior Pakistan general pledges deeper strategic ties with China at PLA anniversary
KARACHI: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening ties with China, while addressing a ceremony marking the 98th founding day of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), according to an official statement. Islamabad and Beijing are long-time allies and have jointly pursued multibillion-dollar infrastructure, energy and regional connectivity projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship initiative of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The corridor provides Beijing with direct access to the Arabian Sea through Pakistan's Gwadar port, while enabling Islamabad to modernize infrastructure and boost regional trade. The two countries also maintain close cooperation in defense and security. Earlier this month, India's Deputy Army Chief, Lt. Gen. Rahul Singh, claimed China had provided Pakistan with 'live inputs' during a four-day military conflict with India in May. Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, in an exclusive interview with Arab News last month, described the outcome as a 'victory' that was entirely 'Made in Pakistan.' 'In his address, the CJCSC highlighted the enduring and time-tested 'Iron-clad brotherhood' between Pakistan and China, with shared resolve to broaden and deepen this unique relationship across all domains,' the military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement. 'He commended PLA's pivotal role under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Xi Jinping for China's remarkable development and rapid modernization, which has transformed People's Republic of China into a key pillar of peace, stability and prosperity,' the statement added. 'CJCSC highlighted China as a stabilizing factor in the regional security dynamics.' The event, held in Rawalpindi, was attended by a wide cross-section of civilian and military officials, diplomats, media representatives and business leaders. General Mirza also reiterated Pakistan's 'unwavering commitment' to ensuring the security of Chinese nationals working in the country. Thousands of Chinese citizens are employed across dozens of CPEC-linked projects, many of which are located in volatile regions such as Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where separatist and militant groups have repeatedly targeted foreign workers. Chinese nationals have also come under attack in Karachi, Pakistan's largest city and commercial capital, prompting authorities to implement tighter security protocols.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Dar rejects 'normalisation of arbitrary force'
Foreign ministers of the SCO member states pose for a group photograph during the Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Tianjin, China. Photo: AFP Listen to article Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to regional stability, multilateral cooperation, and peaceful dispute resolution during his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Tianjin on Tuesday. Speaking at the high-level gathering, Dar emphasised the SCO's role as a stabilising force in a world facing profound geopolitical challenges. He praised China's leadership in advancing the organisation's agenda and welcomed Belarus as the newest full member. Dar strongly criticised Israel's military actions in Gaza, labeling them a "reckless disregard for international norms" that has led to a dire humanitarian crisis. He urged an immediate ceasefire and reiterated Pakistan's support for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as Palestine's capital. The foreign minister also denounced recent attacks on Iran, including US strikes on nuclear facilities, calling such actions against SCO member states "unacceptable". Dar expressed concern over recent escalations in South Asia, referencing the Pahalgam attack allegations that brought Pakistan and a neighboring nuclear-armed state to the brink of conflict. He stressed that disputes must be resolved through dialogue, not coercion, and called for structured talks to address long-standing issues. "Pakistan remains committed to ceasefire agreements and regional stability, but we cannot accept the normalisation of arbitrary force," he stated. Dar advocated for institutional reforms within the SCO, including the adoption of English as a third official language and enhanced Secretariat capabilities. He also highlighted the need for economic collaboration, proposing greater use of national currencies to mitigate global financial shocks and backing the creation of an alternative development funding mechanism. He also underscored the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project, as vital for regional connectivity and shared prosperity. The deputy prime minister called for renewed engagement with Afghanistan through the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group and emphasized a unified approach to counterterrorism, rejecting its use for political gains. He also flagged climate change as a critical challenge requiring collective action. In closing, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's dedication to the "Shanghai Spirit" of mutual trust and cooperation, urging member states to pursue a future "defined not by confrontation, but by collaboration." FMs meeting Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar represented Pakistan on Tuesday during a joint call of foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states with Chinese President Xi Jinping. President Xi, in his address to the visiting foreign ministers, underscored the importance of regional cooperation under the SCO framework - a body spanning the Eurasian landmass and representing a significant portion of the global population. On the sidelines of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Dar also held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Russia, Iran, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. DPM/FM Ishaq Dar on Tuesday met Foreign Minister of Russia Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the SCO CFM in Tianjin, China. During the meeting, both the dignitaries expressed satisfaction over the positive trajectory of bilateral ties and agreed to further enhance cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, and defence, a DPM's Office news release said. On the occasion, the DPM/FM reiterated the invitation for FM Lavrov to visit Pakistan. In a meeting with Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Kulubaev Zheenbek Moldokanovic at the Great Hall in Tianjin, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the longstanding Pakistan-Kyrgyzstan relationship and expressed interest in expanding cooperation across areas of mutual interest. Separately, DPM Dar met Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu. The two leaders reiterated their resolve to deepen bilateral ties and enhance collaboration in regional and multilateral fora. Dar also held meetings with the foreign ministers of other SCO member states on the sidelines of the joint call with President Xi. "Valuable opportunity to exchange views and reinforce regional cooperation during these challenging times," he posted on X following his meetings with the foreign ministers of Iran, Uzbekistan, and Belarus.
