XINJIANG, CHINA / ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has pushed forward a new phase of Pakistan-China cooperation during his visit to Xinjiang, highlighting trade, economic growth, and joint security efforts.
In Urumqi, President Zardari met with Chen Xiaojiang, Communist Party Secretary of Xinjiang, and Governor Erkin Tuniyaz, where discussions revolved around boosting collaboration in agriculture, livestock, industry, mining, and advanced technology. Both sides expressed commitment to expanding the scope of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), while also underlining the importance of Special Economic Zones in Gilgit-Baltistan, which shares a strategic border with Xinjiang.
Security cooperation formed a key part of the talks, with both Pakistan and China reaffirming their resolve for a “zero-tolerance” policy towards terrorism and extremism. President Zardari stressed that Pakistan remains dedicated to working with China to tackle threats from militant networks, while Chinese officials underscored Xinjiang’s transformation into a region of stability, peace, and rapid development.
With Xinjiang’s GDP crossing 5.6 trillion yuan, Chinese officials noted that the province has become an engine of growth, offering significant opportunities for bilateral trade. For Pakistan, deepening ties with Xinjiang means opening new routes for investment, infrastructure development, and cross-border commerce that could fuel long-term economic stability.
The visit has reinforced Islamabad’s strategy of relying on China not only as its strongest economic partner but also as a vital ally in securing regional peace and combating terrorism. Both sides agreed to accelerate projects that connect trade and security agendas, ensuring mutual growth and regional stability.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.