ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar will visit Beijing to co-chair the seventh round of the Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue on January 4, 2026. This high-level engagement, at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, underscores the enduring ironclad friendship between the two nations. The dialogue comes as both countries prepare to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, with expectations of announcing major initiatives to deepen political, economic, and strategic cooperation. The visit, spanning January 3 to 6 according to Chinese sources, highlights Pakistan’s priority on enhancing bilateral ties amid evolving regional dynamics.
The Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue serves as the highest consultative mechanism between Islamabad and Beijing, offering a comprehensive platform to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations. Previous rounds, including the sixth held in Islamabad in August 2025, reaffirmed commitments to regional peace, stability, and sustainable development. Discussions typically encompass progress on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), trade enhancement, security coordination, and mutual support on core issues. The upcoming session is anticipated to build on these foundations, focusing on upgrading CPEC initiatives and expanding cooperation in emerging sectors such as information technology, agriculture, and connectivity.
This strategic interaction reflects the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership that has defined Pakistan-China relations for decades. Established formally in 1951, ties have evolved through consistent high-level exchanges and mutual support in international forums. China has consistently backed Pakistan on matters of sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Pakistan has reciprocated on issues concerning Xinjiang, Taiwan, and the South China Sea. The dialogue mechanism, initiated in recent years, has facilitated in-depth strategic communication, ensuring alignment on global and regional challenges amid shifting geopolitical landscapes in South Asia and beyond.
A key highlight of the seventh round will be the announcement of a series of commemorative activities to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations. These initiatives are expected to include cultural exchanges, enhanced people-to-people contacts, and joint programs in education and youth development. Such efforts aim to consolidate public support and strengthen the social foundation of the partnership. Analysts view this milestone as an opportunity to accelerate momentum in bilateral ties, reinforcing mutual trust built over decades of cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and defence sectors.
The visit assumes added significance against the backdrop of regional developments, including efforts to promote stability in South Asia and Central Asia. Both nations have emphasized coordination on counter-terrorism, connectivity projects, and sustainable development. The strategic dialogue provides a forum to address these priorities while advancing shared visions under frameworks like the Global Development Initiative. Pakistan’s participation underscores its commitment to deepening practical collaboration, particularly in upgrading CPEC to boost economic growth and regional integration.
Experts note that regular high-level engagements like this one contribute to resilience in Pakistan-China relations despite external pressures. The partnership has proven instrumental in supporting Pakistan’s development agenda and China’s Belt and Road Initiative. As preparations for the 75th anniversary gain pace, the January dialogue is poised to set the tone for expanded cooperation in the coming year, benefiting both countries through enhanced economic linkages and strategic alignment.
Read Top Stories
Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1964287/dar-to-visit-beijing-for-strategic-dialogue-scheduled-for-jan-4
Tags: Pakistan, China, Ishaq Dar, Wang Yi, CPEC, Strategic Dialogue
ogimageimage-name
