Pakistan and China have reached an agreement to initiate a new series of projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which falls within the broader framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). During high-level diplomatic meetings in Islamabad, both nations pledged to deepen cooperation not only in the fields of trade and economic development but also in security matters, marking the beginning of the next stage, widely referred to as “CPEC 2.0.” According to reports from the Associated Press, officials confirmed that both sides are determined to further reinforce their long-standing partnership through this expansion.
The announcement came as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held discussions with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad. This meeting marked the sixth round of the Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, where both leaders revisited their bilateral relations and charted out new opportunities for collaboration under CPEC.
Through an official statement shared on X, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that the dialogue covered the entire spectrum of Pakistan-China ties. Both countries resolved to broaden their cooperation through fresh ventures within the CPEC framework, with the next stage termed “CPEC 2.0.” Although specific details of the upcoming projects were not revealed, the commitment underlined the intent to expand and diversify existing initiatives.
The CPEC, which forms a critical pillar of China’s BRI—known domestically as “One Belt, One Road”—has already attracted significant Chinese investments in Pakistan. These include the construction of roads, energy plants, and rail systems designed to link China’s Xinjiang province with Pakistan’s Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea. This initiative is central to China’s global strategy to extend its influence across regions such as Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.
During the dialogue, the two ministers also deliberated on broader areas of cooperation beyond infrastructure, covering trade, science and technology, agriculture, industry, and cultural exchanges. Both sides reiterated the importance of their “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” describing it as an essential cornerstone for promoting peace, stability, and shared prosperity within the region.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi also underscored the importance of protecting Chinese nationals working on various development projects in Pakistan. This issue has gained urgency, especially in Balochistan province, where separatist groups have previously targeted Chinese workers. Pakistan has responded by enhancing security arrangements for these projects, even as the country continues to grapple with ongoing economic challenges.
The bilateral talks were held shortly after Wang Yi and Ishaq Dar undertook a joint visit to Kabul for trilateral discussions with Afghanistan’s Taliban government. They also followed Wang’s recent diplomatic mission to India, aimed at reducing friction and fostering stability in the strained relationship between Beijing and New Delhi.
