China seeks key assurances from Pakistan
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China has expressed its willingness to enhance cooperation and foster solidarity with Pakistan but at the same time sought security assurances for its citizens, as stated by China's foreign ministry, which cited President Xi Jinping. During a meeting with Pakistan's caretaker prime minister, Anwaarul Haq Kakar, who was in Beijing for a Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) forum, President Xi emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of Chinese organizations and personnel working in Pakistan.
President Xi outlined a vision for an "upgraded version" of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and stressed the need to bolster collaboration in areas such as industrial parks, agriculture, mining, new energy, and the timely execution of significant connectivity projects.
Simultaneously, he emphasized the imperative of security for Chinese interests operating in Pakistan, calling on Pakistan to guarantee their safety.
Prime Minister Kakar reported that Pakistan had already completed over 50 projects valued at $25 billion under the CPEC, a flagship initiative within China's Belt and Road Initiative, with a substantial commitment of more than $65 billion for road, rail, and other infrastructure developments.
President Xi further expressed China's openness to strengthening cooperation within the frameworks of the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, with a particular focus on safeguarding the interests of developing countries.
