China CG emphasizes importance of Gwadar

KARACHI: Referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China, the Chinese Consul General, Yang Yundong, said on Tuesday that the Pakistani side had committed to combating and severely punishing terrorists and would use all its strength to ensure the safety of Chinese people and institutions in Pakistan.

He emphasized that both countries confirmed a “zero tolerance” for all forms of terrorism and further strengthened anti-terrorism security cooperation.

Yang Yundong expressed China’s firm support for Pakistan in defending its national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

Speaking at the “Meet the Press” event at the Karachi Press Club, the Chinese consul general said China supports Pakistan in independently choosing a development path that aligns with its national conditions, maintaining national security, stability, development and prosperity, and fighting terrorism.

“We wish Pakistan to achieve socio-economic development, prosperity, unity, stability, and security,” he said. “The active development of China-Pakistan relations will always remain a priority in China’s diplomacy.”

He highlighted the comprehensive and in-depth cooperation between China and Pakistan, noting the construction of Karakoram Highway as a testament to their strong partnership. He added that during Sharif’s visit, the leaders of both countries reached a broad consensus on deepening their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, promoting practical cooperation in various fields, and addressing international and regional issues of common concern.

The consul general stressed that China and Pakistan would continue to develop their relations strategically and long-term, safeguard common interests, promote socio-economic development, enhance the well-being of both peoples, and jointly maintain regional peace, stability and development.

Regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he mentioned plans to build on its achievements and implement the eight actions for high-quality Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation proposed by China. This includes developing five major corridors for growth, better life, innovation, green development and openness, creating an upgraded version of CPEC construction aligned with Pakistan’s “5Es” framework — exports, E-Pakistan, environment and climate change, energy and infrastructure, and equity and empowerment.

Yang Yundong noted that the upgrade and renovation of Main Line-1 (ML-1) project have been included in the CPEC framework, recognising its strategic significance to Pakistan’s socio-economic development. Both sides agreed to explore phased advancements of the project and discuss financing models as per the leaders’ consensus. Additionally, they agreed to accelerate the rerouting of the Karakoram Highway (Raikot to Thakot) and upgrade the Khunjerab-Sost Pass inspection infrastructure for year-round opening.

He emphasized the importance of Gwadar Port as a regional connectivity node, noting the impending completion of the new Gwadar International Airport and the need to accelerate supporting facilities at the port to fully realise its potential as a transshipment cargo hub.

The Chinese consul general also highlighted industrial cooperation as a priority for high-quality CPEC construction, encouraging Chinese enterprises to invest in Pakistan’s special economic zones under market-oriented and commercial principles, thereby enhancing Pakistan’s industrial and export capabilities. He urged Pakistan to optimise its business environment and provide favourable policies for Chinese investment, emphasizing the potential for cooperation in the mining industry and agriculture.

He expressed the hope for joint efforts in clean energy, artificial intelligence, financial technology and space cooperation, stating that these initiatives would inject new momentum into China-Pakistan cooperation. He reiterated China’s support for Pakistan’s fight against terrorism, emphasising the need for a safe business environment for Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan.

Yang Yundong also addressed the challenges facing global economic globalisation, emphasising the need for governments and enterprises worldwide to oppose unilateralism and protectionism and to maintain global economic order and supply chain security. He noted that China continues to be an attractive investment destination, with a stable economy and a favourable environment for foreign investment.

He concluded by acknowledging the uncertain global situation but expressed optimism about China’s economic outlook. He praised the Karachi Press Club’s role in promoting China-Pakistan friendship and people-to-people exchanges, highlighting the strong working relationship between the Chinese Consulate General and the club. KPC President Saeed Sarbazi and Secretary Shoaib Ahmed also spoke.