Pakistan, China reaffirm strategic ties, discuss regional peace efforts

ISLAMABAD/BEIJING: Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their longstanding strategic partnership and discussed regional peace efforts during a telephone conversation between Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

According to Pakistan’s foreign ministry, Dar described Pakistan-China friendship as “time-tested” and said the two countries had undertaken joint initiatives in multiple sectors including connectivity, infrastructure, energy and digital cooperation.

He said the leadership of both countries was working together to advance economic development and regional cooperation.

Dar described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a “game-changing” project for Pakistan’s energy sector and said China was now moving towards establishing a “digital corridor” aimed at boosting technological and economic integration.

Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke today with Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi.

The two leaders exchanged in-depth views on recent regional developments and Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to facilitate… pic.twitter.com/MUXVisOIY2

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 12, 2026

He added that Pakistan was working closely with China in sectors including education and healthcare while aligning younger generations with modern technological requirements.

“Pakistan’s digital economy is growing rapidly and the country is becoming an attractive destination for digital investment,” Dar said, adding that digital corridor cooperation between the two countries would create new opportunities for investment and employment.

He also said China had supported Pakistan whenever the country faced challenges.

China backs Pakistan mediation efforts

Separately, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Wang Yi commended Pakistan for facilitating talks between the United States and Iran and for helping extend the temporary ceasefire in the region.

According to the Chinese side, Wang expressed hope that Pakistan would continue mediation efforts and contribute to resolving issues related to the Strait of Hormuz and restoring regional peace.

Chinese FM Wang Yi held a phone conversation with Pakistani Deputy PM & FM Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

Wang Yi reiterated China’s principled position, commended #Pakistan for facilitating US-Iran talks and helping extend the temporary ceasefire. He expressed hope that Pakistan will… pic.twitter.com/CElO34IHuB

— Lin Jian 林剑 (@SpoxCHN_LinJian) May 13, 2026

He said China would continue supporting Pakistan’s diplomatic role and contribute to efforts aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East.

The remarks come amid heightened regional uncertainty and growing international concern over stability in the Gulf region and global energy routes.