President Zardari’s trip to China this week made it pretty clear that he wants the relationship between Pakistan and China to move into a new phase. On September 13–14, he was in Chengdu for the Golden Panda Awards forum, and instead of just sticking to the usual political talking points, he leaned heavily into culture, people-to-people exchanges, and shared history. He called culture a “bridge to peace” and argued that deeper cooperation is not only about trade routes or ports, but about how ordinary people in both countries can connect.
Of course, politics and strategy were not absent. In his meetings with senior Chinese officials, he praised the trust between the two sides and showed support for China’s bigger international frameworks like the Global Development Initiative. That was Pakistan’s way of signaling that it wants to stay close to Beijing’s vision of global cooperation, which is no surprise given how important China is for Pakistan’s economy and security.
Speaking of the economy, Zardari’s visit comes just months after both governments promised to expand work on infrastructure and energy projects under CPEC. That means more investment in rail upgrades, Gwadar port, mining, and even offshore oil and gas exploration. The Pakistani side has been talking about cutting red tape and giving Chinese companies more security guarantees, which is a major sticking point after years of attacks targeting Chinese workers here. If the government actually follows through, it could make a big difference in attracting long-term Chinese investment.
What stood out this time, though, was the cultural emphasis. Zardari mentioned that as Pakistan and China approach 75 years of diplomatic ties in 2026, they should use it as a chance not only to celebrate old slogans like “all-weather friendship” but also to focus on things like creative industries, literature, arts, and heritage. It is an angle that does not usually dominate headlines, but it is meaningful because it softens the relationship beyond raw geopolitics.
Of course, there are challenges. Security remains the biggest one, along with Pakistan’s political instability. There is also the question of how much Pakistan should rely on China while still keeping a balanced foreign policy with other partners. Zardari seems to be betting that deeper cultural links can help anchor the relationship in a way that outlasts short-term political shifts.
So, as of mid-September 2025, the mood from Pakistan’s presidency is clear: China is not just a strategic partner, it is part of Pakistan’s cultural and developmental future. Whether that vision actually translates into smoother projects and better outcomes is something we will see in the coming years.
