China–Pakistan relations
China–Pakistan relations[1], also known as Sino–Pakistani relations, refer to the bilateral relationship between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the People's Republic of China (PRC). Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1950 when Pakistan became one of the first countries to recognise the PRC as the legitimate government of China, severing ties with the Republic of China (ROC).
 Pakistan |
 China |
|---|---|
| Diplomatic mission | |
| Embassy of Pakistan, Beijing | Embassy of China, Islamabad |
| Envoy | |
| Pakistani Ambassador to China Moin ul Haque | Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong |
Over the decades, the relationship between China and Pakistan has remained exceptionally cordial, shaped by shared geopolitical interests and mutual cooperation. Despite significant cultural and religious differences, both nations have fostered a special partnership characterised by a deep commitment to maintaining strong ties. This partnership is marked by frequent high-level exchanges and cooperative initiatives across various sectors.
China has extended substantial economic, technical, and military assistance to Pakistan, reinforcing their status as close strategic allies. The two countries prioritize their "special relationship", which has led to the establishment of numerous cooperative measures aimed at enhancing bilateral trade, investment, and infrastructure development, further solidifying their alliance in the regional and global context.
Bilateral relations between China and Pakistan have transitioned from an initial policy of neutrality to a comprehensive partnership largely driven by Pakistan's strategic significance. The Sino-Pakistani Agreement of 1963 marked the formal resolution of all boundary disputes between the two countries. Chinese military assistance to Pakistan commenced in 1966, leading to the establishment of a strategic alliance in 1972, with economic cooperation gaining momentum by 1979. As a result, China has emerged as Pakistan's largest supplier of armaments and its third-largest trading partner overall. Recently, China has also entered into agreements to collaborate on enhancing Pakistan's civil nuclear power sector.
Maintaining a close relationship with China is a fundamental aspect of Pakistan's foreign policy. In 1986, Pakistani President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq made a visit to China aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties. Following the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, Pakistan stood out as one of only two countries, alongside Cuba, to provide crucial support to China during that period.
On the military front, there exists a notably close relationship between the People's Liberation Army and the Pakistan Armed Forces. China has consistently supported Pakistan's stance on the Kashmir issue, while Pakistan has reciprocated by backing China's positions on various contentious matters, including the Xinjiang controversy, the Tibetan sovereignty debate, the Ladakh border dispute, and the political status of Taiwan. Military cooperation has significantly intensified, resulting in joint projects that produce a range of armaments, including fighter jets and guided missile frigates.
HistoryEdit
Islamic republic of Pakistan has cultivated a long-standing and robust relationship with People's Republic of China, characterised by mutual benefits and shared interests. The close alignment of views between the two nations has been central to their bilateral ties. Since the 1962 Indo-China War, Pakistan has consistently supported China on critical issues, including those related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Tibet, and other sensitive matters such as human rights.
Chinese leadership has recognised Pakistan's unwavering support on these key issues. Notably, Pakistan played a significant role in helping China reestablish formal relations with the West, facilitating events like the landmark 1972 Nixon visit to China. The collaboration between Pakistan and China extends to extensive military and economic projects, which both countries view as counterweights to an Indian-Western alliance. Additionally, Pakistan has acted as a conduit for enhancing China's influence within the Muslim world. China has maintained a consistent record of backing Pakistan on regional matters. Pakistan's military heavily relies on Chinese armaments, and numerous joint projects of both economic and military significance are in progress. Moreover, China has provided blueprints to assist Pakistan's nuclear program.
According to Amin, the foundation of the Sino-Pak entente has been a "mutual need to pool together resources to contain perceived Indian aspirations to hegemony over the Indian subcontinent". He asserts that both China and Pakistan see this partnership as essential for maintaining a balance of power in the subcontinent that favors their interests against what they view as an expansionist India—one that occupies territories both nations believe rightfully belong to them and is intent on further territorial expansion.