Pakistan will host the heads of government from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on October 15-16, marking the largest gathering of global leaders in the country since the summit of developing nations in 2012. Chinese Premier Li Qiang is scheduled to visit Pakistan next month for a three-day trip to attend the SCO Heads of Government Summit in Islamabad. According to media reports, his visit, set to begin on October 14, will take place in two phases, starting with bilateral discussions focusing on Pakistan-China relations and other important issues. This will be the first visit by a Chinese premier to Pakistan in 11 years. Li Qiang will represent China at the SCO summit on October 15 and 16, with the signing of several agreements between the two countries anticipated during his stay.
Therefore, in a significant diplomatic development, the Chinese Premier’s visit to Pakistan to attend the SCO summit marks an important chapter in the ongoing relationship between the two countries. The visit not only highlights China’s growing involvement in regional forums like the SCO but also reaffirms the strategic ties between China and Pakistan, which are pivotal for regional peace, security, and economic development.
China and Pakistan share a relationship deeply rooted in decades of economic cooperation, defense partnerships, and political trust. Often referred to as an “all-weather friendship,” their alliance has become a cornerstone of geopolitical stability in South Asia, standing resilient through various regional and international challenges. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), serves as a brilliant illustration of their economic collaboration, transforming infrastructure, trade, and energy development across Pakistan while enhancing China’s connectivity with global markets.
Beyond economic cooperation, their defense and security ties remain robust, with joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and defense technology transfers bolstering their strategic partnership. Politically, China has been a consistent ally of Pakistan on key issues, including Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, while Pakistan supports China’s position on Taiwan and Xinjiang.
Premier Li Qiang’s visit comes at a critical juncture when global dynamics are rapidly shifting, particularly with rising US-China tensions, the evolving situation in Afghanistan, and increasing geopolitical competition in Asia. The visit not only aims to reinforce their economic and strategic ties but also signals China’s commitment to supporting Pakistan during a time of economic challenges and heightened regional security concerns. As both nations navigate the complexities of the changing global order, their partnership is expected to remain a vital axis for regional peace, security, and economic development, with the potential for expanding cooperation in new sectors such as technology, digital infrastructure, and green energy. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is a key regional platform for promoting cooperation in security, political, and economic fields. The 2024 summit hosted by Pakistan draws attention to the country’s growing role in regional diplomacy. China, as one of the founding members of the SCO, plays an integral role in shaping the agenda of this influential body. The Premier’s participation underscores China’s commitment to multilateralism and regional stability.
During the SCO summit, several key agreements are expected to be finalized, including plans for the phased construction of the ML-I railway track. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed to Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong Pakistan’s desire to deepen its partnership with China in areas such as information technology, artificial intelligence, and modern agriculture. The two countries have long cooperated on regional security, particularly in counterterrorism efforts, while also working closely in economic initiatives under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Their collaboration extends to cross-border trade, enhancing connectivity across Central and South Asia, as well as energy cooperation and the development of regional infrastructure.
With many SCO member states bordering conflict zones and areas of economic instability, the summit provided a crucial platform for China and Pakistan to advocate for strengthened regional security and deeper economic ties. The visit of the Chinese Premier to Pakistan underscores the significance of their strategic partnership. As Pakistan grapples with economic challenges and political uncertainty, China has consistently stood by as a reliable ally, offering financial assistance, infrastructure investment, and defense cooperation.
China’s influence in South Asia has grown steadily in recent years, positioning itself as a key player in regional geopolitics. By attending the SCO summit in Pakistan, the Chinese Premier showcased China’s intention to remain an active participant in shaping the future of the region. China’s partnerships with countries like Pakistan counterbalance the influence of other regional powers, such as India and the United States. India, also a member of the SCO, has had complex relations with both China and Pakistan. The Premier’s visit is also a reminder of China’s position as a counterweight to India’s influence in South Asia, ensuring that China’s strategic interests are maintained in this multilateral forum.
Although China and Pakistan maintain a robust relationship, there are challenges that complicate their partnership. The CPEC has encountered delays and financial obstacles, leading to concerns in Pakistan about debt sustainability and effective project management. Moreover, India perceives the China-Pakistan alliance, particularly CPEC, as a strategic threat due to its route through Gilgit-Baltistan, a region India claims as part of Jammu and Kashmir. Despite these issues, the Chinese Premier’s visit highlights the enduring strength of the partnership and both nations’ commitment to advancing their collaboration.
The Chinese Premier’s visit to Pakistan for the SCO summit goes beyond mere diplomatic engagement; it underscores the evolving strategic partnership that carries significant implications for regional stability and global geopolitics. Through participation in the summit, China reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation, economic development, and the security of South Asia.
For Pakistan, the visit reinforces China’s role as a reliable ally, offering crucial support in difficult times. The China-Pakistan relationship remains a central pillar of South Asian geopolitics, with CPEC and defense cooperation at its heart. As regional challenges intensify, this partnership continues to play a vital role in shaping the region’s future. In nutshell, Pakistan’s hosting of the SCO summit not only reinforces its strategic partnerships but also underscores its commitment to tackling common challenges and promoting economic and security cooperation among member states.
