Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar arrived in Beijing to co-chair the Pakistan China strategic dialogue with Wang Yi, marking the 7th round on 4 January 2026. The talks focus on bilateral cooperation and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar departed Islamabad on Saturday, 3 January 2026, for Beijing. He will co-chair the 7th Pakistan China strategic dialogue with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Sunday. The event reviews Pakistan China bilateral cooperation and celebrates 75 years of ties.
The Pakistan China strategic dialogue holds key importance for South Asia. It fosters stability amid regional challenges like economic pressures and security concerns. Stronger Pakistan China bilateral cooperation could influence trade routes and counterbalance influences from India and Afghanistan.
Ishaq Dar Beijing Visit Highlights
Ishaq Dar’s Beijing visit marks him as the first foreign dignitary in China for 2026. Invited by Wang Yi, the trip underscores regular high-level exchanges. Dar’s itinerary includes the Pakistan China strategic dialogue and side meetings on mutual interests.
During the Ishaq Dar Beijing visit, discussions will cover economic partnerships and infrastructure. The Foreign Office noted the dialogue as the highest mechanism for Pakistan China bilateral cooperation. It provides a platform to assess progress since the 6th round in August 2025.
Wang Yi Co-chair Role in Talks
Wang Yi will co-chair the session, guiding reviews of regional developments. As Wang Yi co-chair, he represents China’s commitment to the all-weather partnership. His role ensures alignment on global issues affecting South Asia.
In past rounds, Wang Yi co-chair contributions have advanced projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This Pakistan China strategic dialogue builds on those foundations, with Wang Yi expected to announce commemorative events for the 75th anniversary.
Pakistan China Bilateral Cooperation Advances
Pakistan China bilateral cooperation spans trade, defence, and energy. The 7th Pakistan China strategic dialogue aims to identify new areas, such as technology and green initiatives. Bilateral trade reached USD 20 billion in 2025, per official data.
Key agenda items include upgrading CPEC phases. Pakistan China bilateral cooperation under CPEC has delivered 25 projects worth USD 25 billion since 2013. The talks will address security for these ventures amid recent threats.
Education and cultural exchanges form part of Pakistan China bilateral cooperation. Over 28,000 Pakistani students study in China, boosting people-to-people ties. The Pakistan China strategic dialogue will outline scholarships and joint research for 2026.
Defence collaboration remains robust. Joint exercises and equipment transfers enhance capabilities. The Pakistan China strategic dialogue will reaffirm commitments to counter-terrorism, vital for South Asian peace.
Economic aid from China supports Pakistan’s stability. Loans totalling USD 5 billion in 2025 helped manage fiscal deficits. Pakistan China bilateral cooperation in finance includes currency swaps worth CNY 30 billion.
Background
The Pakistan China strategic dialogue began in 2019 as a formal channel. The 1st round focused on post-CPEC strategies. Subsequent meetings, like the 5th in Beijing in May 2024, expanded to include pandemic recovery.
The 6th round in Islamabad saw Wang Yi co-chair with Dar. They discussed regional stability, including Afghanistan’s role. This history shows the dialogue’s evolution into a cornerstone of Pakistan China bilateral cooperation.
Diplomatic relations date to 21 May 1951. The 75th anniversary in 2026 prompts reflections on milestones, from border agreements to nuclear cooperation. Pakistan China strategic dialogue events will highlight these achievements.
What’s Next
Future steps include implementing dialogue outcomes. Potential announcements cover joint ventures in AI and renewables. The Pakistan China strategic dialogue paves the way for summits later in 2026.
Monitoring regional reactions will be key. India may view enhanced Pakistan China bilateral cooperation as a strategic shift. Afghanistan could benefit from trilateral talks on trade.
The Ishaq Dar Beijing visit sets a positive tone for the year. Both nations aim to deepen ties amid global uncertainties.
The 7th Pakistan China strategic dialogue reinforces enduring bonds. It promises sustained Pakistan China bilateral cooperation for mutual prosperity.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 3rd, 2026
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