CPEC Remains a Pillar of China-Pakistan Cooperation: Ambassador Jiang

Islamabad, December 24, 2025: Ambassador Jiang Zaidong delivered a keynote address at the 9th China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Media Forum, underscoring the Forum’s pivotal role in fostering bilateral media cooperation, enhancing mutual understanding, and supporting the development of CPEC since its inception in 2015.“Since its inception, the Forum has become an influential platform for bilateral exchanges in the media field,”

Ambassador Jiang said, expressing gratitude to media professionals and stakeholders from both countries who have long supported China-Pakistan relations. He noted that over the past decade, the Forum has grown alongside CPEC, fostering a favorable public opinion environment for its advancement.

“In 2015, President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Pakistan solidified the ‘1+4’ cooperation framework for CPEC, and the CPEC Media Forum was launched in Islamabad. In the ten years since, both sides have actively implemented high-level consensus, transforming CPEC into a comprehensive cooperation project spanning multiple sectors. It has significantly contributed to Pakistan’s economic and social development, emerging as a flagship initiative of the Belt and Road Initiative,” he added.

Ambassador Jiang highlighted the Forum’s contributions in sharing cooperation stories and promoting outcomes, making the CPEC tangible and rallying support for its progress. He emphasized the Forum’s role in countering baseless narratives such as the “debt trap” theory with data and facts, exposing those who seek to undermine CPEC while bolstering its builders. The Forum has taken concrete actions beyond discourse, including establishing the “Golden Anchor Award for CPEC Communication” to set benchmarks for amplifying CPEC’s voice and extending media collaboration through initiatives like the “Journalists’ Fellowship Program.”He also emphasized the positive economic trajectories of both nations, which inject strong momentum into CPEC and provide rich material for media coverage.

“China’s economy has advanced under pressure, demonstrating resilience and innovation. Key trends include steady growth with GDP expanding by 5.2% year-on-year in the first three quarters, high-tech manufacturing output rising by 9.2%, and NEV production and sales both exceeding ten million units. China’s GDP is expected to reach RMB 140 trillion this year, with decisive progress toward basically realizing socialist modernization by the end of the 15th Five-Year Plan period. Pakistan’s GDP grew by 3.04% last fiscal year, exceeding forecasts, with fiscal revenue up by 36.7%, tax revenue by 25.8%, and per capita income rising from USD 1,663 to USD 1,812.Foreign exchange reserves surpassed USD 20 billion for the first time, and international rating agencies have upgraded Pakistan’s sovereign credit outlook,” he said.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Jiang emphasized the continued importance of CPEC as a pillar of China-Pakistan cooperation. “Next year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. We are ready to work with Pakistan to implement the important consensus of our leaders, build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, and leverage the upgraded version of CPEC as a platform to consolidate and expand all-weather strategic cooperation,” he stated. He called on media professionals from both countries to strengthen exchanges, serve as interpreters of the two nations’ development paths, communicators of CPEC achievements, and promoters of the ironclad China-Pakistan friendship.

By enhancing media-think tank linkages, shaping proactive narratives, and building an international communication matrix, the Forum can foster stronger public support, broader societal consensus, and greater momentum for the China-Pakistan community with a shared future. In conclusion, Ambassador Jiang wished the 9th CPEC Media Forum complete success.