China has expressed its readiness to collaborate with Pakistan to enhance the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, aiming to deepen the political mutual trust between the two steadfast allies. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar mentioned that Pakistan, having achieved the initial phase of the CPEC, is currently reaping the benefits of early harvest projects while maintaining engagement with China to advance to the next phase.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin, responding to a question during a briefing, stated, "China stands ready to work with Pakistan to deliver on the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries, deepen political mutual trust, and expand practical cooperation." China emphasized its commitment to upgrading the CPEC and fostering an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future.
The CPEC, linking Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, has faced opposition from India due to its route through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Wang noted that China is prepared to collaborate on the CPEC's development and strengthen the relationship between the two nations.
Regarding the recent visit of Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong to Pakistan, Wang highlighted discussions with key figures, including the President, Prime Minister, military officials, and the Foreign Minister. He mentioned that China and Pakistan are "all-weather strategic cooperative partners" and underscored China's appreciation for Pakistan's commitment to the One-China principle.
Prime Minister Kakar, reflecting on the CPEC's progress, explained that the second phase involves enhancing road and air connectivity around industrialization projects. He emphasized ongoing collaboration, stating, "We have developed a lot of connectivity — road, air, and the rest of the connectivity corridor. We are benefiting from the ecosystem of doing trade with one another."
In response to a question about the Chinese economy, Prime Minister Kakar expressed optimism, highlighting the interconnectedness between China and the global community with its 1.5 billion consumers and producers. He emphasized the impossibility of divorcing 1.5 billion people from the global population of 8 billion, affirming that the connection must persist.
(With Agency Inputs)
