China and Pakistan Unveil Joint Action Plan 2025-2029 to Strengthen Strategic Partnership

China and Pakistan have announced a comprehensive Joint Action Plan 2025-2029 to deepen their “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” and build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future. Signed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China, the plan outlines a roadmap for collaboration across political, economic, security, and cultural domains, reaffirming the enduring friendship between the two nations. The two nations emphasized their “iron-clad” friendship, which transcends geopolitical interests, and pledged to deepen strategic communication. High-level interactions, including visits, meetings, and consultations, will continue to guide bilateral relations. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China policy, supporting China on Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea. In return, China reiterated its support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both sides agreed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026 with coordinated events. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) remains the cornerstone of economic cooperation, with both sides committing to high-quality development of the initiative. The plan includes aligning CPEC’s Five Corridors with Pakistan’s 5Es Framework (Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy, and Equity). Key projects include industrial parks, Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Karachi and Islamabad, and enhanced agricultural cooperation, such as modern farming techniques and training for 1,000 Pakistani agricultural professionals. Gwadar Port will be developed into a regional connectivity hub, with improved infrastructure and trade routes to Afghanistan and Central Asia. Both nations aim to enhance trade liberalization under the Phase-II China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement. A “single window” system will be implemented to streamline trade documentation and improve border efficiency, particularly at the Khunjerab Pass. China pledged continued financial support to Pakistan and encouraged Chinese enterprises to invest in Pakistan’s digital economy, mining, and industrial sectors. The two sides will focus on joint research programs in areas such as climate change, artificial intelligence, and disaster prevention. Cooperation under the 2021-2030 Space Cooperative Outline will continue, including lunar exploration, astronaut training, and the establishment of a Pakistan Space Center. China will also provide 3,000 study and training opportunities for Pakistanis from 2025 to 2029. Both nations reaffirmed the critical role of their defense partnership in maintaining regional stability. Counter-terrorism cooperation will be strengthened, with a focus on capacity building and addressing China-related terrorist threats. Enhanced security measures will also be implemented to protect Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan. Educational and cultural ties will be deepened, with more Pakistani students invited to study in China. Joint initiatives include film and television collaborations, sports exchanges, and archaeological research. Media and think tank exchanges, as well as cultural festivals, will promote mutual understanding and strengthen the bond between the two peoples. Both nations emphasized the importance of multilateralism and regional stability, particularly in South Asia. China reiterated its support for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with UN resolutions. The two sides pledged to work together on global climate governance, Afghanistan’s stability, and the Middle East peace process.