Press Release
Grand National Dialogue
“Pakistan-China Relations”
November 8, 2022
China-Pakistan Study Center at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISS) in collaboration with the National Security Division (NSD) and Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) conducted a roundtable discussion, “Pakistan-China Relations” under the series of Grand National Dialogue (GND) on November 8, 2022.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed delivered the keynote address while the distinguished speaker of the occasion was former Ambassador of Pakistan to China, Masood Khalid. Director General ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry gave welcome remarks and Director CPSC, Dr. Talat Shabbir delivered introductory remarks and moderated the session. President IPRI, Amb. Dr. Raza Muhammad also joined the discussions.
Amb. Aizaz, in his introductory remarks, briefed the audience about GND, and its objectives. He said that Pakistan and China share historic ties with each other that stood the test of time. Director CPSC, Dr. Talat Shabbir was of the view that mutual trust, respect, and goodwill characterize the bilateral relationship between the two neighboring countries.
Senator Mushahid Hussain gave a cutting-edge analysis of Pakistan-China relations. He said that Pakistan’s relations with Chin are pivotal not only, in terms of, its foreign policy but relations with the world also. The bilateral relations stand on a firm ground of mutual trust and mutual gains, which are time-tested. He informed the audience about the tectonic shifts and changes that are taking place among the great powers in the global arena. He was very loud and clear in stating that China never undermined Pakistan’s core national and Pakistan reciprocated the same by supporting China on its important issues. He also maintained that Pakistan’s foreign policy is not ideological; it is realistic and pragmatic, based on safeguarding its national interests and sustaining its friendship with China. He also talked about revival of second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which will boost Pakistan’s economic status in the longer term.
Ambassador Khalid Masood highlighted the main points that steer the relations forward. He gave an overview of Pakistan-China relations and covered the major milestones that resulted in mutual understanding and trust that makes this relationship even stronger. He was very clear about how trust played a major role in forging an exceptionally stronger bond that the two countries share with each other. He particularly mentioned China’s assistance to Pakistan, which comes with no strings attached. CPEC, in his view, is a propellant for the two countries to take the relations forward.
The remarks were followed by an interactive Q&A session. In the end, Chairman BoG ISSI, Amb, Khalid Mahmood presented the distinguished guests with ISSI memento.
