Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister's Office in Islamabad, Pakistan, Oct. 14, 2024. (Photo/Xinhua)

With the presence of Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Pakistan representing a defining and historic moment in the trajectory of Pakistan-China relations. The visit is not only deepening the longstanding ties between the two nations but has also provided a fresh impetus to a relationship built on mutual trust, cooperation, and shared goals. Premier Li’s four-day stay in Pakistan, marked by strategic discussions, high-level meetings, and the signing of significant agreements, reflects a renewed commitment from both China and Pakistan to not only strengthen their economic ties but to also broaden the scope of their collaboration across various sectors.

What sets this visit apart from previous diplomatic engagements is its focus on moving beyond traditional sectors like infrastructure and energy into areas that will define the future of both nations: industrial relocation, technological innovation, and human resource development. This evolution is most evident in the discussions surrounding the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Having successfully completed several key projects under Phase 1, both nations are now ready to tackle a more diversified agenda. The emphasis has shifted toward high-quality development, with a focus on industrial cooperation, agricultural modernization, and advancements in technology.

A key takeaway from this visit is the growing emphasis on the strategic role of Gwadar. Premier Li, along with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, virtually inaugurated the New Gwadar International Airport, a project that has been in the making for years. The completion of this airport is more than just an infrastructure milestone; it is a signal of Gwadar's transformation into a critical hub for regional connectivity. The airport, along with Gwadar port, positions the city as a crown jewel of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), linking South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia. For Pakistan, Gwadar represents a game-changer—not just in terms of economic potential but also as a symbol of the country's strategic relevance in the region.

However, infrastructure alone cannot sustain a future-ready partnership. The agreements signed during this visit are significant way forward to transform dreams into realities. There is a strong desire from Pakistan that human resource development and technological collaboration may take a central role in the country's long-term prosperity. One of the most significant agreements is the establishment of Smart Classrooms, a project aimed at revolutionizing Pakistan's education system through technological integration. This initiative, alongside other MoUs related to science, technology, and information exchange, are infact China's commitment to supporting Pakistan's social development, ensuring that the benefits of CPEC and other projects are felt across the broader population.

Another aspect that sets this visit apart is the strategic value of the currency swap agreement between the State Bank of Pakistan and the People's Bank of China. In a global economy where reliance on the U.S. dollar often complicates trade relationships, this agreement allows both countries to conduct transactions in their local currencies. This is a subtle but powerful move. This will help Pakistan alleviate some of its foreign exchange pressures while also positioning both nations to reduce their exposure to the volatility of global currency markets. This agreement is expected to have far-reaching consequences.

Yet, no discussion about this visit can overlook the security dimension, especially in light of recent attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan. The tragic incident in Karachi, where Chinese engineers lost their lives. Presence of Chinese Premier is a strong message that China is standing by Pakistan despite all the challenges. Terrorism has been a challenge that both countries face and have been fighting this together. In all weather friendship and iron brotherhood, these are important steps to showcase the togetherness against the odds.  It is also important to note that instead of derailing the partnership, this incident seems to have reinforced the stronger security cooperation between the two nations. Premier Li's visit, despite the timing, is a testament to China's continued trust in Pakistan.

The broader geopolitical context and implications of Premier Li's visit is also important to consider. As the world watches the Indo-Pacific region with increasing tension and rapidly changing situation in Middle East, Pakistan and China's partnership offers a counterbalance to the shifting power dynamics. The SCO summit, where leaders from Russia, India, and Central Asian nations gathered, served as a backdrop for Premier Li's engagements. Pakistan's role as host reinforces its importance as a strategic partner in regional stability apart from promoting its global image as a peace loving state. For both nations, the SCO offers a platform to align their goals on security, economic cooperation, and regional connectivity, adding another layer to their already multifaceted relationship.

At its core, Premier Li's visit is about reaffirming the long-term vision both nations share for their shared partnership and future. It is not just about the agreements signed or the infrastructure projects completed; it is about the trajectory that Pakistan and China are setting for the future. Both nations are positioning themselves to face the complexities of a changing global landscape with shared resolve. 

The writer is Founder of Friends of BRI Forum, Senior Advisor to Pakistan Research Centre at Hebei Normal University in China, Co-Founder of the Alliance of China-Pakistan Research Centres, and Senior Fellow at the Centre for CPEC Studies at Kashi University in China.

The article reflects the author' opinions, and not necessarily the views of iChongqing and Bridging News.