Pakistan–China Talks Resume as Strategic Dialogue Enters Seventh Round

Pakistan and China today launched the seventh round of their Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue in Beijing, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi co-chairing the talks. The dialogue, taking place amid fast-changing regional and global dynamics, highlights the growing pace and depth of coordination between the two long-time strategic partners.

This high-level consultative mechanism was institutionalised to ensure regular, comprehensive engagement on bilateral, regional, and international issues. The previous round was held in August 2025, and the decision to convene another within five months reflects the close cooperation between what both sides often describe as “iron brothers.” Pakistan was among the first countries to recognise the People’s Republic of China in 1951, and relations have since evolved into an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

Ishaq Dar arrived in Beijing on Saturday, becoming the first senior foreign dignitary to visit China in 2026. He was received at the airport by China’s Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Yue Xiaoyong, Pakistan’s ambassador to China, and senior embassy officials, underlining the importance of the visit. The dialogue is expected to review political ties, security cooperation, economic collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges, while also aligning positions on Afghanistan, the Middle East, and broader global developments.

Economic cooperation, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, remains central to discussions. Officials indicate that industrial cooperation, agriculture, IT collaboration, and green development initiatives are likely to feature prominently, alongside coordination on regional stability and multilateral diplomacy. The talks also coincide with preparations to mark 75 years of Pakistan–China diplomatic  relations in 2026.

According to the Foreign Office, the strategic dialogue reflects both countries’ “shared determination to broaden and deepen the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” reaffirming their commitment to regional peace, stability, and sustainable development