Seminar
Bolstering Trajectory of Pakistan’s Strategic Ties with China
April 18, 2024
The seminar explored China’s rising global role, the depth of China-Pakistan relations, and the evolving scope of CPEC. Experts discussed defence, economic, and technological cooperation, and emphasised the need to advance CPEC beyond 2030.
China’s emergence as a global power amid shifting power dynamics is reshaping the international landscape, with a profound impact at global and regional levels. As the world’s second-largest economy, China’s rapid military modernisation and focus on niche technologies have bolstered its influence on the global stage, allowing it to protect its interests and shape geopolitical configurations. Its principled approach to international issues, such as the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, showcases its growing diplomatic clout and commitment to global stability.
The Pakistan-China relationship is defined as an “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership”, reflecting a deep-rooted friendship and mutual support across all sectors, especially defence and economic cooperation. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) serves as a cornerstone of this partnership and represents a strategic alignment of interests. It has the potential to facilitate Pakistan’s rapid development, enhance regional connectivity, and foster prosperity. Beyond infrastructure development, CPEC opens up a range of new opportunities for trade, investment, and technological cooperation between the two nations. However, to fully harness these opportunities, Pakistan needs to overcome institutional and administrative obstacles, fast-pace the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and bring about a qualitative change in ease of doing business in the country.
Additionally, the CPEC has the potential to reshape the geopolitical landscape of South Asia by strengthening Pakistan’s role as a regional hub and providing China with alternate trade routes that bypass maritime chokepoints. With the completion of CPEC’s first phase focusing on energy and infrastructure, the second phase aims to deepen industrial cooperation and expand bilateral economic ties, further cementing the bonds between the two nations. The success of CPEC will have a transformative impact on Pakistan’s growth and development.
Importantly, Pakistan-China strategic partnership contributes to stability and regional equilibrium in South Asia and peace and stability in the broader region.
Recognising the crucial need to carefully navigate this strategic partnership further into the future, the Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), Lahore, convened a seminar on 18 April 2024 titled “Bolstering Trajectory of Pakistan’s Strategic Ties with China”. The seminar served as a platform for insightful discussions by distinguished speakers, shedding light on the evolving dynamics of China’s global role, Pakistan’s strategic partnership with China, the next phase of industrial development and the potential of CPEC beyond 2030.
Key Takeaways
China’s unprecedented rise has reshaped global power dynamics, with its advocacy for multilateralism and opposition to Cold War-era politics gaining global support. Economically dominant and diplomatically influential, China is increasingly seen as a counterbalance to Western hegemony, particularly within the context of the US-led Indo-Pacific strategy. For Pakistan, China remains a steadfast strategic partner across defence, aerospace, and economic domains—most notably through CPEC, which stands as a critical pillar for regional connectivity and Pakistan’s economic transformation.
Policy Considerations
Pakistan must continue to prioritise its strategic partnership with China as a central pillar of its foreign policy, especially for national security and economic growth. While maintaining balanced relations with the West, Islamabad’s long-term strategic orientation should remain aligned with Beijing. To ensure the success of CPEC Phase II, emphasis is needed on industrialisation, agriculture, IT, and key infrastructure projects like Gwadar and ML-1, alongside encouraging Chinese industry relocation and improving investment facilitation. Strengthening collaboration in science, technology, and renewable energy is essential, as is ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals and the fulfilment of all contractual commitments. Bridging the trade deficit with China through increased value-added exports and enhancing cooperation in defence and aerospace must also be top priorities.
Post Event Report
A comprehensive overview featuring key insights, expert discussions, and strategic takeaways from the event.
Explore speaker highlights, recommendations, media coverage, and event photographs.
Guest Speakers
Ambassador Masood Khalid
Former Ambassador of Pakistan to China
Ambassador Masood Khalid holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from Quaid i Azam University, Islamabad. Ambassador Khalid served as the longest serving ambassador of Pakistan to People’s Republic of China from 2013-2019. He also served as a High Commissioner for Pakistan to South Korea and Malaysia, and has held many senior positions at Foreign Office. He was awarded Distinguished Services Award by Diplomatic Insight Group for his outstanding contribution towards building Pakistan’s strong partnership China. As Ambassador to China, Mr. Masood Khalid made invaluable contribution to strengthening of Pakistan-China relations. During his tenure China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was conceived, launched and consolidated.
Ambassador Moin ul Haque
Former Ambassador of Pakistan to China
Ambassador Moin ul Haque holds a Masters degree in Commerce and has undertaken a National Security Course from National Defence University, Islamabad. He served as an ambassador of Pakistan to People’s Republic of China from August 2020 to November 2023. He also served as Pakistan’s Ambassador to France from July 2016 to July 2020. Ambassador Moin ul Haque has held many senior positions at Foreign Office. He served as Pakistan’s High Commissioner to India in 2019. He is also a recipient of Sitar-e-imtiaz in recognition of outstanding services during his meritorious diplomatic career.
Dr Suhail Saleem
Director General Investment Facilitation and SEZ for Punjab Board of Investment and Trade
Dr Saleem holds a doctorate degree in Poverty Alleviation and Mphil in Rural Development from University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Previously, he has worked at Nestle and Tetra Pak in senior positions. He has undertaken several consultancy roles for development projects at Lead Foundation. Dr. Saleem has successfully undertaken a number of consultancy projects with the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and European Union
Dr Hassan Daud Butt
Associate Professor, Bahria University Islamabad
Dr Daud holds a doctorate degree in Management Sciences from Bahria University. Currently, he is serving as an Associate Professor at Bahria University, Islamabad. He also serves as an Honorary Director at the Centre for BRI and Regional Studies and is a Senior Advisor to China Energy Engineering Group Co. Ltd. Previously, Dr Daud served as an attaché to Pakistan’s embassy in Beijing and Hanoi. He is also a former CEO of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment and Trade and Project Director CPEC at Ministry of Planning. As Director HR to Navy, he was awarded Chief of the Naval staff letter of Commendation for introducing new HR policies, as well as Chinese MOD Honorary Medal on contributing towards improving bilateral relations between Pakistan and Chinese Military.
CASS Speakers
Ambassador Muhmammad Haroon Shaukat (Retd)
Director Foreign Affiars CASS, Lahore
Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd)
President, CASS Lahore
Master of the Ceremony
Researcher
Zaheen Qureshi
The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS) was established in July 2021 to inform policymakers and the public about issues related to aerospace and security from an independent, non-partisan and future-centric analytical lens.
