Visit will strengthen all-weather partnership by deepening mutual trust and cooperation: China Daily editorial

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's four-day visit to China starting on Saturday carries special significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The high-level exchanges between China and Pakistan once again demonstrate the enduring vitality of the two countries' all-weather strategic cooperative partnership that has withstood the test of time and changing global circumstances.

Over the past 75 years, the friendly relations between the two neighbors have evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership rooted in mutual trust, reciprocal support and common development. Mutual trust forms the bedrock of bilateral relations and provides strategic guidance for cooperation in various fields. From supporting each other on issues concerning their core interests to deepening practical cooperation across a wide range of sectors, the two countries have offered a meaningful reference for the benefits of relations based on equality, trust and solidarity.

One of the most tangible outcomes of China-Pakistan cooperation is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the years, the CPEC has injected strong momentum into Pakistan's socioeconomic development by improving infrastructure, easing energy shortages, enhancing connectivity and promoting industrialization.

Sharif's visit reflects the common determination of both countries to continue to carry forward their traditional friendship, strengthen their strategic communication and jointly build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. Today, both sides are working to build an "upgraded version" of the CPEC, steering cooperation toward higher-quality development and broader areas of collaboration. From traditional infrastructure and energy to emerging sectors, China-Pakistan cooperation is expanding into new frontiers that better meet the development needs of both nations.

Two Pakistani astronauts have entered the Astronaut Center of China and are participating in mission training alongside their Chinese counterparts, with all related work progressing smoothly, the China Manned Space Agency announced on Saturday.

This demonstrates that the China-Pakistan partnership is a results-oriented cooperation framework that is delivering tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.

Particularly noteworthy is Sharif's choice of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, as the first stop during his visit. Hangzhou has a large concentration of innovative enterprises, providing valuable experience for developing countries seeking modernization pathways suited to their national conditions.

China's strengths in digital technology, e-commerce, intelligent manufacturing and innovation-driven growth align closely with Pakistan's aspirations for industrial upgrading and economic transformation. The agreements reached on subnational exchanges and technological cooperation, including cooperation between Zhejiang and Punjab province of Pakistan as well as the establishment of joint research platforms, underscore the growing depth and practical orientation of bilateral ties.

Subnational cooperation and people-to-people exchanges are becoming increasingly important pillars of China-Pakistan friendship. From youth exchanges and educational cooperation to cultural interactions and local partnerships, the "ironclad friendship" between the two countries is gaining broader public support and stronger social foundations.

At a time when unilateralism, protectionism and geopolitical confrontation continue to challenge global stability, China and Pakistan's common commitment to multilateralism, peaceful coexistence and inclusive development carries important international significance.

The two countries are not only advancing their own development agendas, but in doing so contributing to regional peace and stability with their coordination. They are also seeking to promote a proper resolution of the Middle East crisis.

It is hoped that Pakistan will work with China to further deepen counterterrorism and security cooperation and strengthen coordination on regional affairs. The Pakistani side should also take concrete measures to ensure the security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in the country.

The visit by Sharif is expected to inject fresh momentum into bilateral cooperation, and further deepen strategic mutual trust.