ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 10th May, 2026) Senior analyst and expert on Pakistan-China and Afghanistan affairs, Rashid Safi, stated that relations between Pakistan and China had evolved beyond traditional diplomatic ties into a strong “Iron Brotherhood” and strategic partnership, serving as a remarkable example of trust, cooperation and shared development over the past 75 years.
Speaking exclusively to APP on Sunday, he said that the bilateral relationship, which begun in 1951, had significantly influenced regional politics, economic dynamics and defense balance over time. He noted that Pakistan’s recognition of China during the Cold War era was a major diplomatic decision whose impact continues to be felt today.
He further said that cooperation, which started with the construction of the Karakoram Highway in the 1960s, had now expanded into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Under CPEC, major infrastructure development has taken place in energy, motorways, communications, and ports, while industrial zones have created new employment opportunities, he added.
Commenting on defense cooperation, Rashid Safi said that both countries also maintained deep collaboration in advanced defense technology and naval projects, which was influencing the balance of power in the region. He added that the partnership had now entered a second phase focusing more on industrial development, technology and people-to-people connections. According to him, bilateral ties are expected to expand further in the coming years.
Rashid Safi emphasized that Pakistan should learn from China’s development model by ensuring policy continuity and stability in order to build a stronger economic foundation.
He also stated that work on CPEC Phase-II was progressing rapidly and would have far-reaching positive effects on Pakistan’s economy.
