President Asif Ali Zardari said that friendship with China is a core pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy during a recent visit to China [1].
This diplomatic emphasis comes as Pakistan seeks to advance the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to improve regional connectivity and economic stability [2].
Zardari made these remarks on April 27, 2026 [3], while visiting SANY Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. in Changsha, Hunan Province [4]. The visit coincided with a ceremony marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations [1].
"China ties are a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy," Zardari said [3]. He said the relationship enjoys broad-based support within his country [5].
The president's visit to the industrial site in Hunan Province highlights the technical and economic dimensions of the partnership. By focusing on industrial cooperation, Pakistan aims to transition CPEC from infrastructure projects toward industrialization, and agricultural growth [2].
"Our friendship with China is a core pillar of our foreign policy," Zardari said [2].
Throughout the visit, the Pakistani leader said that the strategic partnership remains essential for national development. He said that Pakistan-China ties remain a cornerstone of their foreign policy and enjoy broad-based support [5].
“"China ties are a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy,"”
The reaffirmation of the 'cornerstone' relationship during the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties signals Pakistan's intent to maintain a strategic pivot toward Beijing. By visiting a heavy industry plant, Zardari is signaling a shift toward the second phase of CPEC, moving beyond basic infrastructure into industrial capacity and technology transfers to stabilize Pakistan's economy.
