China’s Growing Influence in Global and Regional Politics: Benefits for Pakistan

Mr Zhao Shiren, Consul General, Peoples’ Republic of China in Lahore, China delivered a guest lecture at the Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS), Lahore on the topic “China’s Growing Influence in Global and Regional Politics: Benefits for Pakistan”. The lecture signified the longstanding friendship between China and Pakistan and the mutual benefits derived from their strategic collaboration, particularly through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that drive infrastructural development and economic prosperity in Pakistan.

 

Mr Ameer Abdullah Khan, Senior Researcher at CASS Lahore, delivered the introductory note. He highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and China, characterised by trust, strategic alignment, and economic cooperation. He described the civilisational links between the two nations, which stretch back over 2000 years. He commended the Chinese people and their leadership for their remarkable journey of peaceful development and expressed a desire to learn from the Chinese experience.

 

In his address, Mr Zhao Shiren elucidated into China’s foreign policy objectives, emphasising the importance of mutual cooperation, economic development, and regional stability. He highlighted the transformative impact of the CPEC on Pakistan’s infrastructure, energy landscape, and socioeconomic development, showcasing tangible benefits such as enhanced connectivity, job creation, and economic growth. The Consul General stressed the strategic significance of the China-Pakistan partnership in fostering regional peace and prosperity.

 

Furthermore, Mr Shiren discussed the evolving multipolar world and the need for positive attitudes and pragmatic measures to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. He emphasised the importance of proactive diplomacy, constructive engagement, and inclusive stakeholder participation in shaping a more stable and prosperous global order.

 

Mr Shiren highlighted five initiatives by President Xi Jinping aimed at fostering international cooperation for peaceful development. He emphasised the potential benefits Pakistan can gain from China’s development, including cooperation in green technologies, space exploration, infrastructure development, agriculture, and industrial sectors. He reiterated support for Pakistan on the Kashmir cause and emphasised the significance of a two-state solution for achieving peace in the Middle East amid Israel’s actions in Gaza. The Consul General’s remarks underscored China’s commitment to promoting peace, cooperation, and shared development on the international stage, with a focus on building strong partnerships based on mutual respect and mutual benefit.

 

During the interactive session, the potential for trilateral summits involving China, India, and Pakistan was highlighted as a pathway to regional prosperity and stability. The Consul General reiterated the importance of sustained dialogue, economic cooperation, and strategic partnerships in addressing common challenges and advancing shared interests, stressing the need for continued collaboration to realise the full potential of the China-Pakistan relationship and contribute to regional peace and development.

 

Air Marshal Asim Suleiman (Retd), President CASS Lahore, concluded the event with a call for optimism, proactive diplomacy, and a focus on building a brighter future through collaboration and mutual understanding. He highlighted that the CPEC, under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), had significantly enhanced bilateral relations, focusing on energy, infrastructure, trade, investment, and technological cooperation. He stated that China’s expanding global influence, peaceful rise, and commitment to multilateralism bolster its role in regional stability. While highlighting the avenues for future cooperation, the President mentioned focus areas include developing Special Economic Zones, export strategies, agricultural modernisation, and science and technology cooperation.