The China-Pakistan bond, celebrated as "iron brothers" and "steady as Mount Tai", has evolved from its 1951 beginnings into a dynamic alliance. Driven by strategic initiatives like CPEC and mutual support on global issues, this enduring partnership exemplifies a powerful and resilient connection.

The China-Pakistan brotherhood has endured many challenges and has only grown stronger over time. As President Xi put it, Pakistan and China are "iron brothers." According to Ms. Mao Ning, spokesperson for China's foreign office, "China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners and ironclad friends. Our friendship has stood the test of time and remained rock-solid and—to use a Chinese expression—‘steady as Mount Tai.’" The cooperation between China and Pakistan is multifaceted and extends beyond traditional theories of international relations or bilateral friendship. Both countries have consistently supported each other in protecting core interests such as Taiwan, the South China Sea, Tibet, and Kashmir. The launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) marked the beginning of a new era in their relationship. It is important to note that CPEC is part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), President Xi’s flagship project for China's vision in the new era and a community with a shared future.

The relationship began to flourish from 1957 onward, with a major breakthrough occurring in 1963 after the signing of the boundary treaty. During this period, Pakistan provided an air corridor to China to facilitate its linkages with the global market and played a key role in breaking the ice between China and the USA. 

The journey of the relationship began with Pakistan's formal recognition of China on May 21, 1951, making Pakistan one of the first countries to recognize the new state of China. Initially, the relationship was business as usual, but a meeting between Prime Minister Muhammad Ali Bogra and Chinese Prime Minister Zhou Enlai in 1955 transformed the dynamics. Since then, the relationship has strengthened continuously, with successive generations upholding the message of brotherhood. Both countries have explored all avenues to enhance their partnership, establishing deep and trusted linkages across various fields, including defense, trade, culture, science, and technology.
The relationship began to flourish from 1957 onward, with a major breakthrough occurring in 1963 after the signing of the boundary treaty. During this period, Pakistan provided an air corridor to China to facilitate its linkages with the global market and played a key role in breaking the ice between China and the USA. Pakistan initiated and facilitated meetings between the two countries, leading to a significant breakthrough in their relationship that opened global opportunities for China. Pakistan also led efforts to restore China’s seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Throughout the Korean War, the conflict with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), and the USA’s negative campaigns, Pakistan supported China. Additionally, Pakistan assisted China in combating natural disasters during the 1960s and 1970s.

It is also widely believed that the Beijing Declaration serves as a blueprint for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. This argument is supported by analyzing the agreements signed in 2006—the Free Trade Agreement and the Framework Agreement on Energy Cooperation—during President Hu Jintao's visit to Pakistan.

On the other hand, China has also been gracious in its dealings with Pakistan. China assisted Pakistan in overcoming the repercussions of the 1965 and 1971 wars, providing the first grant of USD 60 million in 1965 and later an interest-free loan of USD 217 million from 1971 to 1975. 
Many argue that bilateral relations took a new turn after President Jiang Zemin's speech in 1996, where he emphasized strengthening economic linkages and expanding relations in all fields. In 2000, President Musharraf echoed this sentiment, urging China to establish a new framework for economic linkages. Subsequently, Prime Minister Zhu Rongji made a special visit to Pakistan in 2001 to celebrate 50 years of friendship. President Hu Jintao further elevated the relationship, enhancing bilateral cooperation. President Musharraf's visit to China in 2003 led to the creation of a concrete framework for cooperation. The Beijing Declaration, signed by President Hu Jintao and President Musharraf, paved the way for significant initiatives such as the Free Trade Agreement and Energy Cooperation framework. The Beijing Declaration specifically focused on the economy, trade, investment, agriculture, science and technology, and tourism.
Moreover, it was agreed that both countries would work to strengthen their relationship in the coming years across various fields, including telecommunications, water conservancy, electric power, aviation and space technology, computers, automation, metallurgy, IT, medicine and health, petrochemicals, biotechnology, peaceful utilization of nuclear power, industrial zones, human resources, and export zones.
It is also widely believed that the Beijing Declaration serves as a blueprint for the CPEC. This argument is supported by analyzing the agreements signed in 2006—the Free Trade Agreement and the Framework Agreement on Energy Cooperation—during President Hu Jintao's visit to Pakistan. President Zardari continued this momentum with multiple visits to China to further enhance cooperation. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also built on this foundation, signing the landmark agreement on the CPEC.

The Shahrah-e-Karakoram (Karakoram Highway) stands as a testament to both militaries’ commitment to enhancing connectivity and creating economic opportunities. Under the guidance of the CPC, the PLA is dedicated to strengthening the armed forces' relationship in the new era.

It is important to highlight that President Xi is a great friend of Pakistan and prioritizes its interests. Many examples support this claim, with the most prominent being CPEC, which has been designated as a flagship project of the BRI, as well as defense cooperation and unwavering support on the Kashmir issue, especially in response to India's illegal actions.
Simultaneously, both countries have continued to strengthen their security relationship. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Pakiatan Armed Forces have played key roles in enhancing this partnership. Both forces embody a spirit of brotherhood, mutual trust, and respect, developing a relationship capable of facing any challenge with grace and strength.
The Communist Party of China (CPC) has consistently advised the PLA to assist Pakistan in modernizing its defense capabilities while adhering to the principle of self-sufficiency. From the beginning, this spirit of self-sufficiency has guided the collaboration between the PLA and the Pakistan Armed Forces. Numerous examples of this cooperation exist, with the Heavy Mechanical Complex (HMC) Taxila, Al-Khalid Tank, and JF-17 Thunder being the most prominent. HMC has significantly contributed to Pakistan’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in weapon production. The joint venture for the production of the JF-17 has transformed Pakistan’s defense industry. The JF-17, a modern fighter jet, has also become a valuable source of foreign exchange earnings for Pakistan.
The PLA was also at the forefront of assisting Pakistan in the fight against COVID-19. A Major General from the PLA delivered the first supply of equipment to combat the virus, followed by a team of doctors from the PLA. Both forces are also contributing to economic cooperation by ensuring peace and providing security in challenging areas. The Shahrah-e-Karakoram (Karakoram Highway) stands as a testament to both militaries’ commitment to enhancing connectivity and creating economic opportunities. Under the guidance of the CPC, the PLA is dedicated to strengthening the armed forces' relationship in the new era.
In conclusion, the China-Pakistan relationship and cooperation are multidimensional. The relationship between the Pakistan Armed Forces and the PLA is also multidimensional, time-tested, and built on the spirit of iron brotherhood, exemplifying the slogan “iron brotherhood.” Furthermore, both countries' civil and military leadership are aligned in promoting and strengthening their relationship. It is hoped that this bond will continue to grow stronger in the future.

The writer is the CEO of the Asian Institute of Eco-Civilization Research and Development.
E-mail: [email protected]