Understanding Pakistan China Relations through the Joint Statement (2021-2022)

Abstract

Pakistan-China diplomatic relations span over more than seven decades of cordial relations represent a unique example in the current international political system of the world. Until the turn of the century the relationship of the neighboring friends was limited mostly to government-to-government, political, defense and diplomatic cooperation. However, since the start of this century, the relationship has been expanded in economic and socio-economic spheres. The realization that the two countries need each other more in the changed regional and global setting is visible on both sides. Nevertheless, understanding each other’s society and culture is still a less explored domain. Currently, bilateral cooperation, under the ambit of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has given this relationship an added impetus by bringing in extraordinary prospects of not only bilateral cooperation but also regional integration and development and securing China’s unhindered access to the rest of the world. The thirty-three-point statement has been analyzed to fathom the depth of China-Pakistan bilateral ties. Both the states are continuously struggling to evolve procedures, concepts and mechanisms to keep augmenting the bond of friendship.