Cooperation in the field of counter-terrorism between China and Pakistan has been substantially enhanced, especially after Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari visited China in early February 2025. Both agreed to increase cooperation between them on activities concerning counter-terrorism with zero tolerance towards terrorism, which means the probing of incidents related to terrorist activities against Chinese nationals and their culprits.
President Asif Ali Zardari stated that challenges or militant attacks targeting Chinese citizens in Pakistan will not break down “the friendship between our two countries”. He reaffirmed his country’s commitment alongside “the Pakistani people standing with the people of China”. Pakistani officials welcomed the sacrifices for the war on terrorism and promised to continue readiness for further support.
Pakistan is assured to provide full safety and security to Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions operating in its territory. Enhanced security measures will be maintained to ensure a safe atmosphere of cooperation for the two nations. China expressed flexibility to provide necessary support to upgrade Pakistan’s counter-terrorism capacity. Technology transfer was viewed as one of the options for policed capacity-building, along with intelligence sharing.
The two nations agreed to increase multilateral cooperation on counter-terrorism issues, indicating their mutual concern for regional stability. Both countries called upon the Afghan authorities to take stronger actions against terrorism. This reflects both countries’ common interest in the security of the region. For instance, over the years, both countries have conducted joint anti-terror military exercises and shared intelligence to counter common threats like the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM).
The development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is being integrated with enhanced security measures to protect Chinese interests in Pakistan. This includes upgrading infrastructure projects such as railways (Main Line-1) and highways (Karakoram Highway realignment). Beyond counter-terrorism, both countries committed to further increasing economic cooperation under CPEC to be expanded in new corridors of innovation corridors and green corridors following the 5Es framework introduced by Pakistan; Energy; Economy; Environment; Education & Employment, besides promoting trade liberalization under their FTA.
The All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between China and Pakistan remains crucial as they face global challenges together while maintaining strong diplomatic ties despite external pressures or attempts at disruption. Their strengthened partnership not only enhances bilateral relations but also contributes significantly towards regional stability by addressing common threats such as terrorism effectively.
It reveals overall an increase in commitments both China and Pakistan place for battling terror through increasing coordination with one another on diverse matters apart from only security sectors.
