Beijing, Sunday, January 4, 2026 – Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Beijing to lead the Pakistan China dialogue. He co-chairs the seventh strategic dialogue with Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The talks review bilateral cooperation and mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
This Pakistan-China dialogue strengthens a key alliance in South Asia. It promotes economic stability through the CPEC and addresses regional security concerns. The partnership has a significant impact on trade and infrastructure across the region.
Ishaq Dar Beijing Visit: Key Meetings
The Ishaq Dar visit to Beijing began on Saturday. He arrived to co-chair the seventh strategic dialogue. At the airport, China’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong, received him. Pakistan’s Ambassador to China and embassy officials also welcomed him.
On Sunday, Dar met Executive Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang. They reaffirmed their commitment to the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Ding appreciated Pakistan’s support on China’s core issues. Both noted the 75th anniversary celebrations of diplomatic ties. They agreed to enhance cooperation under CPEC. Ding conveyed New Year greetings to Pakistan’s leadership and people.
Dar also met Minister Liu Haixing of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party. Dar congratulated Liu on the 4th Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. They expressed satisfaction with bilateral relations. The discussion covered party-to-party exchanges and regional developments. They reviewed CPEC projects. Both agreed to commemorate the 75th anniversary celebrations in a meaningful way.
These meetings set the stage for the Pakistan-China dialogue. They highlight ongoing high-level exchanges.
Seventh Strategic Dialogue: Agenda and Focus
The seventh strategic dialogue is scheduled to take place on Sunday. Dar and Wang Yi co-chair it. This is the highest consultative mechanism between the nations.
The agenda includes reviewing bilateral cooperation. It identifies new partnership areas. The talks aim to advance the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
A key element is announcing initiatives for the 75th anniversary celebrations. Both countries plan activities throughout 2026. These mark the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1951.
The sixth round took place in Islamabad in August 2025. Wang Yi met Dar, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and President Asif Ali Zardari. They affirmed commitment to regional peace and stability.
The seventh strategic dialogue builds on that. It addresses economic ties and security cooperation. CPEC remains central. The corridor has delivered projects worth USD 25 billion since 2013.
Officials state the dialogue will prioritize outcomes. These contribute to the strategic partnership. Dar is the first foreign dignitary to visit China in 2026.
75th Anniversary Celebrations: Commemorative Plans
The 75th anniversary celebrations feature prominently. Dar’s meetings emphasized this milestone. Initiatives include cultural exchanges and joint events.
Pakistan and China plan commemorative activities all year. These strengthen people-to-people ties. The anniversary underscores the enduring friendship.
Diplomatic relations began on May 21, 1951. Since then, ties have evolved into a strategic partnership. Annual dialogues, such as the seventh strategic dialogue, sustain this.
CPEC is a flagship of the Belt and Road Initiative. It connects Gwadar Port to Xinjiang. Projects include energy, transport, and industry. The 75th anniversary celebrations aim to chart future cooperation. They build on historical bonds.
Background
Pakistan and China share a 523-kilometre border. The relations date to the ancient Silk Road trade. Modern ties formalized in 1951.
In 1963, they signed a boundary agreement. The Karakoram Highway opened in 1978. It symbolized connectivity.
The All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership was established in 2015. CPEC was launched that year. It has created 192,000 jobs in Pakistan.
Previous strategic dialogues addressed global issues. The first occurred in 2019. They cover trade, defence, and counter-terrorism.
Ishaq Dar’s visit to Beijing aligns with this tradition. It follows Dar’s role as Deputy Prime Minister since 2024.
Regional dynamics influence the talks. South Asia faces challenges in security and the economy. The Pakistan China dialogue helps navigate these.
What’s Next
The seventh strategic dialogue may yield joint statements. Follow-up could include advancements in the CPEC phase two. More high-level visits are likely. The 75th anniversary celebrations will unfold through a series of events. These enhance cooperation. This dialogue reinforces the alliance for future stability.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 4th, 2026
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