China, Pakistan Push CPEC Projects on 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties
Updated
Updated · Xinhua · May 26
China, Pakistan Push CPEC Projects on 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties
10 articles · Updated · Xinhua · May 26
Li Qiang told Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing that China is ready to accelerate CPEC construction and major connectivity projects during Sharif’s official visit.
75 years after diplomatic ties began, Li said Beijing wants broader cooperation in industry, mining, agriculture, finance and trade, including more imports from Pakistan and an upgraded free trade agreement.
Li also urged new collaboration in artificial intelligence, the digital economy and green energy, while asking Pakistan to protect Chinese personnel, projects and institutions.
Sharif called ties with China the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, reaffirmed support for the one-China principle and invited more Chinese investment with promises of a safer business environment.
The talks underscored both countries’ push to deepen strategic coordination and present closer China-Pakistan cooperation as support for regional peace and development.
Is China's tech embrace an economic lifeline for Pakistan or the start of a new strategic dependency?
Can Pakistan's pivot to high-tech industry create jobs before its massive Chinese debts come due?
After repeated attacks, can Pakistan finally guarantee safety for thousands of Chinese workers on its soil?
CPEC 2.0: Driving Pakistan’s Economic Transformation Through $25 Billion Investment, Industrialization, and Sustainability
Overview
CPEC 2.0, formally launched in 2025 during the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations, marks a strategic evolution from the original CPEC 1.0. While CPEC 1.0 focused on transforming Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure landscape and laid the foundation for economic development, CPEC 2.0 shifts deliberately towards deeper industrial cooperation, technology transfer, and innovation. This new phase aims to foster sustainable economic growth by moving beyond infrastructure to build a diversified, export-oriented industrial base, reflecting a comprehensive partnership that leverages the strong foundation established since the 2015 CPEC agreement.