By Asim Shehzad
LAHORE: Chinese Consul General in Lahore Sun Yan has underscored China’s vision for a deeper “China-Pakistan Security Partnership,” emphasizing enhanced military-to-military cooperation, counter-terrorism collaboration and strengthened security coordination between the two countries under their longstanding strategic framework.
He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of Pak-China diplomatic relations, organized by Chairman Institute of International Relations and Media Research and foreign affairs expert Muhammad Mehdi at his residence.
Sun Yan said Pakistan and China have agreed to accelerate cooperation in infrastructure development, industrial growth and connectivity projects under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He added that both sides are also expanding collaboration in regional and global affairs in line with shared development and strategic interests.
He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s agricultural modernization through advanced farming technologies and improved access for Pakistani agricultural products to the Chinese market. He said such initiatives would help improve productivity and strengthen bilateral economic ties.
The Chinese envoy also noted progress in scientific cooperation, stating that China has welcomed two Pakistani astronauts for specialized training and looks forward to a Pakistani astronaut potentially becoming the first foreign national to participate in an early mission aboard the China Space Station.
Highlighting the broader scope of cooperation, Sun Yan said Pakistan-China relations now span agriculture, industry, technology and vocational training. He added that Punjab, as Pakistan’s agricultural and industrial hub, has significantly benefited from early harvest projects under CPEC, contributing to employment generation and improved livelihoods.
He reiterated China’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, while stressing joint efforts to combat terrorism and promote stability in the region. He said both countries continue to work together in line with international law and multilateral principles.
Referring to the long-standing bilateral relationship, he said Pakistan and China have consistently supported each other through various challenges over the past 75 years, describing the friendship as “higher than the mountains and deeper than the oceans.”
Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, speaking on the occasion, welcomed the Chinese envoy and said the Pakistan-China relationship remains stable and resilient despite shifting regional and global conditions.
Muhammad Mehdi highlighted growing business-to-business cooperation and said recent high-level visits have opened new opportunities for enhanced collaboration, particularly in trade, security and development sectors.
Senior journalists including Sohail Warraich and Saleem Bukhari discussed agricultural challenges in Punjab, especially cotton crop decline, and stressed the need for Chinese technological support to revive agricultural productivity.
The event was attended by senior journalists, political figures, and representatives of media and civil society, who termed the occasion a reflection of the enduring Pakistan-China friendship and a step toward deeper future cooperation.
