ISLAMABAD: Chinese President Xi Jinping has lauded the government and people of Pakistan for their unwavering defence of national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national dignity in a warm congratulatory message sent to President Asif Ali Zardari on Pakistan Day.
The message, released through Pakistan’s Foreign Office on March 23, underscores deep strategic trust between the two nations as they celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations this year.
President Xi highlighted that Pakistan has overcome numerous risks and challenges while advancing national development and contributing significantly to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity.
He expressed that China, as a close friend, is sincerely pleased with Pakistan’s development achievements and attaches great importance to bilateral ties.
The Chinese leader voiced readiness to work closely with President Zardari to build an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.
This year also marks the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, providing fresh momentum for aligning development strategies between the two countries.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson confirmed the contents, noting the message’s emphasis on carrying forward traditional friendship and enhancing strategic communication.
Local media outlets including Dawn, Dunya News and Radio Pakistan reported the development extensively, quoting the exact phrasing from President Xi on Pakistan’s steadfast safeguarding of sovereignty.
The timing carries special weight as Pakistan commemorates the 1940 Lahore Resolution that laid the foundation for its creation.
Analysts view the message as a strong reaffirmation of Beijing’s support amid evolving regional dynamics.
Bilateral economic cooperation has delivered tangible results through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Official figures indicate CPEC has attracted over 25.4 billion dollars in direct Chinese investment since its launch.
The corridor has generated approximately 236,000 jobs for Pakistanis, including direct and indirect employment across energy, infrastructure and special economic zones.
Completed energy projects under CPEC have added more than 9,500 megawatts to Pakistan’s national grid, helping address chronic power shortages.
Infrastructure components include over 510 kilometres of newly constructed highways and 886 kilometres of high-voltage transmission lines.
Trade volumes between the two countries reached 25.2 billion dollars in 2025, reflecting nearly 10 percent growth from the previous year.
China remained Pakistan’s largest import partner in early 2026, with February imports alone hitting 1.41 billion dollars, up 9.9 percent year-on-year.
Pakistan’s exports to China stood at 2.84 billion dollars in 2025, showing modest but steady growth in sectors like textiles, agriculture and minerals.
President Xi’s message also stresses joint modernisation efforts, with both nations pursuing high-quality development paths.
The 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties provides an opportunity to deepen cooperation in emerging areas such as technology, green energy and digital economy.
Regional observers note that Pakistan’s consistent support for the One-China principle has been reciprocated through China’s firm backing on core issues of territorial integrity.
The message arrives against a backdrop of completed CPEC early-harvest projects worth billions, with new phases focusing on industrial collaboration and special economic zones.
Rashakai and other SEZs are attracting fresh investments aimed at job creation and technology transfer.
Pakistan has maintained robust defence and counter-terrorism cooperation with China, further strengthening the all-weather strategic partnership.
Experts suggest the emphasis on sovereignty in President Xi’s words sends a clear signal of mutual respect for each other’s core interests.
As both countries navigate global uncertainties, the reaffirmed commitment is expected to boost confidence in long-term projects.
The Pakistani leadership has welcomed the message, describing it as a testament to the iron-clad friendship that has withstood regional and international pressures.
Further high-level engagements are anticipated throughout the year to translate the vision of a shared future into concrete outcomes.
Pakistan Day celebrations this year thus gained an additional layer of diplomatic significance through Beijing’s high-profile endorsement.
The message reinforces that the bilateral relationship continues to serve as a cornerstone of stability in South Asia and beyond.