As the calendar turned to 2026, the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zandong, conveyed heartfelt New Year greetings to the nation's government and its people. This message holds special significance as it coincides with the celebration of a major milestone: the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
A Year of Milestones and Steady Progress
In his address, Ambassador Jiang reflected on the achievements of 2025. He noted that China successfully concluded its 14th Five-Year Plan, with the economy demonstrating resilience and moving towards high-quality, innovation-led growth. The ambassador highlighted that China's total economic output reached an estimated 140 trillion yuan, marking a new historic milestone in its modernization journey.
Turning to Pakistan, the envoy expressed his delight at the country's stable economic growth and proactive governance. He praised Pakistan's progress in reforms, its significant results in counter-terrorism efforts, and the strengthening of national unity. Ambassador Jiang particularly commended Pakistan's active diplomacy, which has expanded its circle of friends and enhanced its international influence.
Iron-Clad Friendship: Cooperation in Action
The ambassador emphasized the strength of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. He recalled the frequent and cordial high-level exchanges, including meetings between President Xi Jinping and Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. These interactions have charted a clear blueprint for the future of bilateral ties.
Practical cooperation between the two nations continues to yield abundant results. Key projects are moving forward steadily:
- The Karakoram Highway Phase II realignment project is progressing well.
- The new Gwadar International Airport is now operational.
- The Lahore Orange Line Metro has served over 270 million passengers.
- The "Training 1,000 young Pakistani agricultural professionals in China" project has been successfully implemented.
- Pakistani exports like rice, sesame, and seafood are finding faster entry into the Chinese market.
Strengthening People-to-People Bonds
Cooperation extends beyond infrastructure into social welfare and cultural exchange. Ambassador Jiang noted that 50,000 "health kits" have benefited the people of Balochistan, while Chinese medical teams have provided critical care for children with congenital heart disease. Furthermore, flood-relief supplies worth RMB 100 million were delivered to assist Pakistan.
Cultural connections have also deepened through events like the Chinese Film Festival and the "Tea and the World" gathering. Exchanges between media, think tanks, and youth groups have increased, and the blockbuster animated film Ne Zha 2 was screened for Pakistani audiences.
Looking ahead, the ambassador expressed optimism for 2026. As China begins its 15th Five-Year Plan and both nations celebrate 75 years of friendship, the partnership stands at a new historic starting point. This forward momentum was further underscored by the 7th round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue, held in early January between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who was the first foreign dignitary received by China in the new year.
