China, Pakistan strengthen ties with infrastructure, energy deals

China and Pakistan have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic cooperation, focusing on infrastructure, energy, and resource development.

During Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to China from February 4-8, both nations pledged to upgrade Pakistan’s railway network, expand Gwadar Port, and explore opportunities for offshore oil and gas investments, according to China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency.

Pakistan and China acknowledged the strategic importance of Gwadar Port, vowing to “fully unleash its potential as a key node for connectivity and trade,” a joint statement quoted by Xinhua revealed. Additionally, Chinese enterprises will be encouraged to “carry out mining investment cooperation in Pakistan” and work together on terrestrial and marine geological resources. “Pakistan welcomes Chinese companies to participate in the development of offshore oil and gas resources in Pakistan,” the statement added.

Since 2013, Chinese investment has played a crucial role in stabilizing Pakistan’s struggling economy. The two nations share a long-standing alliance, largely shaped by their mutual skepticism toward India and a shared interest in counterbalancing U.S. influence in the region.

Thousands of Chinese nationals are currently engaged in projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $65 billion initiative that falls under President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative. The ambitious program aims to expand China’s global footprint through extensive road, rail, and maritime infrastructure.