Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari is set to depart for Beijing today, Tuesday, for a five-day state visit within growing tensions between the two allies over the security of Chinese interests in Pakistan.
China remains a key ally and major investor in Pakistan, having pledged over $65 billion in infrastructure and development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a crucial component of the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s global infrastructure strategy.
The visit comes at a time when Pakistan’s security challenges have concerned its ties with China, as separatist and religiously motivated militants have repeatedly targeted Chinese nationals and projects in the country. In October, a suicide bombing in Karachi killed two Chinese nationals, while another attack in March claimed the lives of five Chinese workers in northwest Pakistan.
Zardari’s visit, scheduled from February 4 to February 8, is being undertaken at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. During his stay in Beijing, he will meet with President Xi, Premier Li Qiang, and other senior Chinese officials, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office.
“The discussions will cover the full spectrum of Pakistan-China relations, with a strong focus on economic and trade cooperation, counter-terrorism and security collaboration, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and future connectivity initiatives,” the statement read.
The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which primarily operates in Balochistan, claimed responsibility for the Karachi airport bombing in October. The group has frequently targeted Chinese projects and interests, accusing Beijing of exploiting the province’s mineral resources with Pakistan’s support. Pakistani and Chinese authorities reject these allegations, asserting that their projects aim to uplift the region.
In recent months, China has openly criticized Pakistan over security concerns, while media reports suggest Beijing has pushed for deploying its own forces to protect its interests, a request Islamabad has consistently resisted. Pakistan has reassured China of its commitment to safeguarding Chinese nationals and has strengthened security protocols for investors and workers.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, President Zardari’s visit underscores the “deep commitment” of both countries to their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. Discussions will also include global and regional geopolitical developments and bilateral cooperation at multilateral forums.
“The visit reaffirms mutual support on core issues, advances economic and trade collaboration, including CPEC, and highlights both nations’ commitment to regional peace, development, and stability,” the statement added.
