What's happened
Following a recent ceasefire between India and Pakistan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited Beijing to reinforce diplomatic ties with China. The discussions focused on regional security, economic cooperation, and the implications of India's actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. This visit underscores Pakistan's strategic pivot towards China amidst rising tensions with India.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Realignment
- Pakistan's Pivot to China: The visit by Ishaq Dar highlights Pakistan's increasing reliance on China for diplomatic and military support, especially as US relations with India strengthen.
- Regional Security Concerns: The discussions included Pakistan's concerns over India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which could exacerbate water scarcity issues in the region.
- Economic Cooperation: The emphasis on upgrading the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) indicates a mutual interest in enhancing economic ties, crucial for Pakistan's struggling economy.
- Geopolitical Implications: This visit signals to India and the US that Pakistan is solidifying its alliance with China, potentially altering the balance of power in South Asia.
- Future Outlook: As tensions remain high, further military cooperation between Pakistan and China is likely, which could lead to increased instability in the region.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, Ishaq Dar's visit to Beijing was significant as it marked Pakistan's effort to reassure China of its strategic partnership amidst rising tensions with India. Dar emphasized the need for China's support regarding India's actions on the Indus Waters Treaty. Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post reported that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed China's commitment to support Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, highlighting the deepening ties between the two nations. The articles collectively illustrate the shifting dynamics in South Asia, with Pakistan seeking to bolster its relationship with China in response to perceived threats from India.
How we got here
The recent military tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a deadly attack in Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which India attributed to Pakistan-based militants. A ceasefire was agreed upon on May 10, 2025, mediated by the US, prompting Pakistan to seek reaffirmation of support from China.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of the ceasefire?
- How does this affect Pakistan's relationship with the US?
- What is the significance of the Indus Waters Treaty?
More on these topics
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Muhammad Ishaq Dar is a Pakistani accountant and member of the Senate serving as the 42nd Finance Minister of Pakistan since September 28, 2022.
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.
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Wang Yi is a Chinese diplomat and politician who has been serving as Director of the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee Foreign Affairs Commission Office since January 2023, and as Minister of Foreign Affairs of China since July 2023.
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India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the second-most populous country, the seventh-largest country by land area, and the most populous democracy in the world.