Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Islamabad fresh from New Delhi, sending a clear signal: China-Pakistan ties aren't just diplomatic routine – they're a bond built on decades of trust.
For Pakistanis, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) isn't merely an infrastructure project – it's the backbone of a partnership that has reshaped roads, ports, and power lines. Under Wang's watchful eye, both sides are already drafting 'CPEC Version 2.0', aiming to inject fresh momentum into agriculture, industry, mining, and high-tech clusters around Gwadar Port and beyond.
Critics point to slow global trade and geopolitical rivalries as roadblocks to connectivity. Yet the steady progress of rail links and energy plants under the CPEC umbrella shows the power of purposeful cooperation. In many Pakistani towns, lights now flicker on at night, factories hum with new machinery, and local exports reach international markets – real-world proof that big-picture deals can transform everyday lives.
Beyond highways and powerhouses, China's investments increasingly touch Pakistan's human fabric. Scholarships for Pakistani students, vocational training centers, healthcare partnerships, and digital skill programs are turning economic blueprints into personal opportunities. Wang Yi's talks in Islamabad underscored this shift, with new pledges for education exchanges, climate-resilient agriculture, and digital transformation hubs.
As the visit wraps up, one message rings clear: the China-Pakistan partnership remains steadfast, resilient and forward-looking. With CPEC 2.0 on the horizon, the next chapter promises not just higher GDP figures but brighter futures for communities on both sides of the border.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
