Pak China Friendship – Iron-Clad, But Under Strain

Despite recent India–Pakistan clashes, China has boldly reaffirmed its support for Islamabad, signaling a shift from its usual balancing act to open alignment with Pakistan’s position A. This marks a more assertive posture in South Asian geopolitics.

• China extended Pakistan’s $2 billion loan deadline again in March 2025, but expressed frustration over delayed returns from CPEC investments A.
• A new Joint Action Plan (2025–2029) was signed to deepen cooperation across politics, trade, tech, and space, including lunar exploration and AI research B.
• Beijing is increasingly vocal about militant attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan, calling them “unacceptable” and warning they could constrain future investments A.
• Pakistan is under pressure to tighten security around Chinese workers and infrastructure projects.

• China praised Pakistan’s continued support for the One-China policy, while reaffirming its backing of Pakistan’s sovereignty B.
• Plans are underway to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties in 2026 with high-profile events.