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.
About The Event
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 Rise and Global Vision
China’s role in global politics is essentially linked to its rise. The world has never witnessed anything like the rapid and tectonic shift in the global balance of power created by the meteoric ascendancy of China. It has not indulged in aggression or colonisation. China is opposed to power politics and Cold War mentality. China supports multilateralism. This advocacy resonates with majority of countries.
- Expanding Chinese Footprint
On the strength of its financial muscle and diplomatic influence, China is expanding its global footprint. As the second largest economy of the world with a GDP of $18 trillion, China presently contributes 30 percent to the world’s economy. The centre of economic gravity is shifting from the West to the East.
- US Hostility towards China
The United States regards China as the principal competitor. The Indo-Pacific strategy of the US formally declares containment of China as a policy imperative. India has been chosen as a counterweight to China. Despite their interdependence, US-China relations are on the edge. The main reason is the gradual erosion of the US pre-eminence. Taiwan is a red line for China and is a potential flash point.
- National Rejuvenation
China is determined to achieve qoals of “National Rejuvenation” in two phases: To make China a ‘modestly prosperous society’ by 2035 and to convert China into a ‘high income country’ by 2049.
- Growing Convergence between China and Russia
In the new power dynamics, there is greater strategic convergence between China and Russia against the US “double containment” strategy.
- Defence Cooperation
China is Pakistan’s unwavering and reliable strategic partner. Wide ranging and multidimensional defence cooperation with the Armed Forces of Pakistan is a significant element of this partnership. This includes, among others, supply of military equipment, technological support, modernisation of defence facilities, ongoing project of eight submarines being built for Pakistan Navy and consistent support for the PAF, notably through flagship projects like the JF-17. the induction of the Chengdu J-10C and planned acquisition of the fifth-generation J-31 Gyrfalcon stealth fighter aircraft.
- CPEC – An Engine of Economic Transformation
CPEC serves as the bedrock of economic cooperation between the two countries. It reflects the confidence China places in Pakistan. Geographically, the success of the BRI considerably depends on CPEC as it provides a shorter and alternate route Success of Phase of CREC is crucially important for Pakistan’s economic turn-around.
- Pakistan-China Strategic Partnership
Pakistan’s bilateral ties with China are deep-rooted, multifaceted, long-standing and iron-clad, based upon mutual trust, respect and support for each other. Over the years, the relationship has blossomed into an All- Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Strong relations with China enjoy a broad consensus across the political spectrum. Similarly in China, Pakistan enjoys the utmost priority in the former’s neighbourhood policy.
- Cooperation in Aerospace
China is Pakistan’s main partner in aerospace. It has helped launch a number of Pakistani satellites in space. Soon, a Pakistani astronaut will travel in space aboard a Chinese spacecraft.
Policy Considerations
- China’s Rise and Global Vision
All-weather strategic partnership with China should remain a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. This partnership is vitally important for Pakistan’s national security and development. To further strengthen and diversify this strategic partnership must remain a top priority.
- Expanding Chinese Footprint
Pakistan needs to maintain the right balance between its vital political, security and economic ties with China on the one hand and its valuable relations with the US- led West on the other. However, Pakistan’s strategic focus should remain firmly directed towards Beijing.
- US Hostility towards China
CPEC is the buckle of the belt (BRI). Success of CPEC must remain a high priority. Concerted efforts are required to ensure the success of ‘Phase II of CPEC that will focus on industrialisation, agriculture and IT etc. Gwadar and ML1 are cruicial for regional connectivity. In implementing projects like ML1, local production and transfer of technology should be emphasised.
- Growing Convergence between China and Russia
Industrial development, especially geared towards exports, including for the Chinese market has to be a top agenda. CPEC-specific SEZs all over Pakistan should be operationalised as plug-and-play with urgency. Serious efforts are also required to encourage relocation of some of the Chinese export oriented industry in Pakistan.
- National Rejuvenation
To encourage investments in Pakistan, bureaucratic red tape has to be removed and the ease of doing business must be improved. The one-stop-shop idea incorporated in Business Fecilitation Centres in Punjab is a good begining. At the same time, concerted efforts are requird to enhance productivity of Pakistani labour.
- Pakistan-China Strategic Partnership
Collaboration with China in projects entailing science and technology, including Al, IT, clean, green and renewable energy. EVs, oil and gas, minerals development etc. are most desirable. Pakistan needs to develop and use Technology Zones and forge closer cooperation with China.
- CPEC – An Engine of Economic Transformation
Safety of Chinese personnel in Pakistan has become a major concern of the Chinese. A second attack at Dasu showed gaps in security arrangements. Pakistani authorities have to provide foolproof security to the Chinese. Pakistan also has to ensure that contractual obligations with the Chinese companies operating in Pakistan are fulfilled in letter a spirit. This includes timely payments and repatriation of profits as agreed in contracts.
- Defence Cooperation
China today is Pakistan’s largest trading partner. Last year, bilateral trade was around $27 billion. Of this amount, Pakistan’s exports to China were merely $3.5 billion, leaving a yawning gap in favour of China. This extent of trade deficit is unsustainable and efforts must be made to bridge it with exports of value added industrial goods to China, using FTA II.
- Cooperation in Aerospace
Close collaboration with China in defence, security and aerospace is vitally important for Pakistan’s national security. All efforts should be made to further strengthen this cooperation.
Post Event Report
A comprehensive report capturing expert analyses, strategic insights, key recommendations, media coverage, and event highlights.
Guest Speakers
Ambassador Masood Khalid (Retd)
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.
Event Chair
Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd)
President CASS, Lahore
Event Coordinator
Ambassador Muhammad Haroon Shaukat (Retd)
Director Foreign Affairs, CASS Lahore
Master of The Ceremony
Zaheen Qureshi
Researcher, CASS Lahore
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.
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