Chinese President Xi Jinping extended warm congratulations to Asif Ali Zardari on his election as the President of Pakistan, emphasizing the enduring friendship between China and Pakistan. Zardari, the husband of the late Benazir Bhutto and the co-chairperson of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), secured a resounding victory in the presidential election, marking his return to the highest office in the country.
President Xi underscored the strong historical ties between China and Pakistan, describing their relationship as an “iron-clad friendship” and a “choice of history.” He highlighted the strategic significance of their partnership, particularly in the context of recent global developments.
In his message to President Zardari, President Xi emphasized the close high-level exchanges between China and Pakistan in recent years. He noted that the two countries have supported each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns. Additionally, President Xi praised the progress achieved in the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project aimed at enhancing connectivity and promoting economic development in the region.
President Xi also acknowledged the profound changes taking place in the world and emphasized the growing strategic significance of China-Pakistan relations. He expressed his commitment to further strengthening the traditional friendship between the two countries and advancing practical cooperation across various fields. President Xi reiterated his readiness to work with President Zardari to deepen bilateral ties and promote the development of a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future.
The return of Asif Ali Zardari to the presidency of Pakistan, alongside the election of Shehbaz Sharif as Prime Minister, holds significant implications for the country’s political landscape. Both Zardari and Sharif have maintained close ties with Chinese leaders over the years and have played pivotal roles in advancing strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China.
The strategic partnership between China and Pakistan has been characterized by robust cooperation in diverse fields, including trade, infrastructure development, defense, and counterterrorism. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has emerged as a symbol of the deepening economic ties between the two countries.
CPEC aims to connect China’s western region with Pakistan’s Gwadar Port through a network of highways, railways, and pipelines, facilitating the flow of goods and promoting regional connectivity. The project has the potential to transform Pakistan’s economy by attracting investment, creating jobs, and enhancing trade opportunities.
In addition to economic cooperation, China and Pakistan have also collaborated closely on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Both countries have supported each other on issues such as Kashmir and Afghanistan, advocating for peaceful resolutions to regional conflicts.
Furthermore, China has been a key partner in Pakistan’s efforts to enhance its defense capabilities. The two countries have conducted joint military exercises and have engaged in defense collaboration, including arms sales and technology transfers.
The strategic alliance between China and Pakistan is viewed with interest by neighboring India and other regional stakeholders. The deepening cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad has raised concerns among some observers about its potential implications for regional security dynamics.
However, both China and Pakistan have emphasized that their partnership is not directed against any third party and is based on mutual respect, equality, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. They have reiterated their commitment to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
As Asif Ali Zardari assumes the presidency of Pakistan for the second time, he faces formidable challenges, including economic instability, political polarization, and security threats. However, his close ties with China and his commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation could provide valuable support in addressing these challenges.
Overall, the warm congratulations extended by President Xi Jinping to President Asif Ali Zardari underscore the enduring strength of the friendship between China and Pakistan. As the two countries continue to deepen their strategic partnership, they are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the dynamics of the region and beyond.