China Reaffirms Ties With Pakistan but Clarifies Relations Are Not Against India, Sends Positive Signal
During his Pakistan visit, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called Pakistan a close friend but clarified their ties are not against India, emphasizing stronger cooperation while addressing key regional and global concerns.
National News: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi started a two-day visit to Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, on 21 August 2023. During this visit, he led the Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue at the invitation of Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. Wang also said that the relationship between China and Pakistan is not against any third country, but it is a strong and long-term partnership that has stood the test of time.
During a press conference in Islamabad, Wang Yi said, "The China-Pakistan partnership is not meant to target any third country. All the countries of South Asia have a common history, and there are deep relations between China and South Asian countries. We should accelerate development together." Wang Yi described this visit as important to strengthen his relations with Pakistan and said that it is part of the ever-increasing cooperation between the two countries.
Purpose and priorities of the visit
Wang Yi's visit is an important step towards further deepening Pakistan and China's 'All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.' According to Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, the dialogue discussed further strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing economic and trade cooperation, and reaffirming joint commitment towards regional peace and stability. Wang met Pakistan's civil and military leadership and discussed regional and international issues.
Wang Yi Urges India Partnership
Before the Pakistan visit, Wang Yi had a three-day visit to India. During this, he met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and discussed efforts to manage border tensions between the two countries. Relations between China and India have become complicated in recent years, especially after the Galwan Valley conflict in 2020. Wang Yi appealed that the two countries should see each other as 'partners,' not as 'adversaries or threats.'
India and China's stance on border tension
Wang Yi also met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, where he talked about taking positive steps towards stabilizing the situation on the border.
He said, 'We are happy that stability has returned to the border. Whatever crises occurred in the last few years were not in our interest, but now we are moving towards a positive trend.' This message has come as a ray of hope for both the countries, which can help in further improving relations in the future.
