Islamabad (GNP): Diplomats and experts gathered to mark 75 years of China-Pakistan ties, praising Xinjiang’s development as a model for regional stability and economic growth. The seminar, titled “Xinjiang’s Socio-Economic Progress, Ethnic Harmony, and Emerging Opportunities: Unlocking New Horizons,” served as a platform to explore new avenues of cooperation under the evolving landscape of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Delivering the keynote address, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong underscored the historic depth of the bilateral partnership. He emphasised that Xinjiang’s remarkable journey toward industrial growth and social cohesion provides a unique opportunity for Pakistan to enhance its border trade and connectivity. The Ambassador reiterated China’s commitment to fostering a shared future, noting that the stability and prosperity of Xinjiang are intrinsically linked to the broader success of regional development projects.
The Ambassador described Xinjiang as a region experiencing its best period of development, stability, and prosperity in history. Sharing his personal observations from recent visits to Urumqi, Kashgar, and Id Kah Mosque, he said he witnessed inter-ethnic harmony and peaceful coexistence firsthand, stating that people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang are living together “like pomegranate seeds tightly held together.”
Xinjiang’s Economic Milestones
Key economic achievements of Xinjiang were highlighted during the seminar, including a GDP growth of 5.5 percent in 2025, cotton production exceeding 90 percent of China’s total output, foreign trade growth of 19.9 percent, 323 million tourists welcomed in 2025, and renewable energy capacity surpassing 100 million kilowatts. The Ambassador rejected what he called “false narratives” regarding Xinjiang and defended China’s policies in the region, emphasising that ethnic unity is the foundation of Xinjiang’s development and that all 56 ethnic groups of China live in Xinjiang.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan remains a priority in China’s neighbourhood diplomacy, while Pakistan continues to uphold the One-China policy. China reiterated its support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and development path, calling for deeper China-Pakistan cooperation using Xinjiang’s geographic and economic connectivity with Pakistan.
Nasir Khan, President of the Overseas Chinese Association Rawalpindi, highlighted Xinjiang’s role as a gateway to China-Pakistan cooperation, noting that through upgraded connectivity including the Karakoram Highway, Pakistani ports can seamlessly reach Central Asia and beyond. He stressed that the two countries are not just neighbours but are becoming an integrated hub of trade, energy, and civil exchange. He further noted the significance of Chinese government-sponsored scholarships, saying that students returning from China with skills and training have become an important part of Pakistani society.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on China Affairs, Zafar Uddin Mahmood, briefed the audience on the strategic importance of aligning Pakistan’s economic policies with the emerging opportunities in the Chinese region. He pointed out that the “New Horizons” mentioned in the seminar’s theme refer to a shift toward high-tech exchange and sustainable industrialisation, adding that the 75-year milestone of friendship is a testament to the resilience of the bond between the two nations.
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The discussion also featured perspectives from academic and defence circles. Safdar Ali Shah, Director General of the Higher Education Commission, spoke on the necessity of academic collaboration, while Group Captain (R) Sultan M Hali highlighted the cultural and historical threads connecting the people of Pakistan with those in Xinjiang. International Studies expert Shakil Ahmad, alongside other speakers, collectively argued that Xinjiang’s model of ethnic harmony has been the cornerstone of its internal progress, offering valuable lessons in social management and inclusive growth.
Participants also highlighted Xinjiang’s consistent rise in per capita disposable income as a reflection of broader poverty alleviation and shared wealth. The region’s massive strides in energy production, particularly in green electricity and grid connectivity, were presented as a model for industrial modernisation. Speakers emphasised that Xinjiang’s strength lies in its rich ethnic diversity, with over 50 ethnic groups living in harmony, fostering a unique cultural vibrancy that underpins its socio-economic success.
The event concluded with a collective resolve to utilise these developmental milestones to further strengthen the Iron Brotherhood between Pakistan and China.
