China and Pakistan’s long standing strategic partnership was reaffirmed at the 2026 Chinese New Year Media Reception held in Karachi, where the Chinese Consul General Yang Yundong described bilateral relations as ironclad and steadily evolving. Addressing senior journalists and media professionals, he said the friendship between the two countries had grown deeper, more resilient, and more comprehensive over time. Referring to the Year of the Horse, he said the symbol reflected vitality, determination, and collective progress, expressing optimism that the year ahead would bring shared prosperity. He highlighted that cooperation between China and Pakistan, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan, continued to expand under the guidance of leadership from both sides. The media, he added, played a constructive role in strengthening mutual understanding and public awareness of bilateral initiatives, development projects, and people to people engagement that continue to define the partnership.
Yang Yundong praised Pakistani media for serving as an effective bridge between the two nations, noting that consistent coverage of bilateral cooperation, high level exchanges, and development initiatives had helped bring the two societies closer. He said journalists had played an important role in familiarizing the Pakistani public with China’s progress in infrastructure development, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, agriculture, and modernization. He also acknowledged the value of media exchange visits to China, stating that direct exposure to Chinese society and development had enhanced cultural understanding and trust. According to the consul general, Pakistani journalists had also contributed thoughtful policy perspectives and acted as an informal think tank in advancing cooperation, particularly under the framework of CPEC Version 2.0. Such engagement, he said, was essential for sustaining long term collaboration and aligning shared development goals.
Highlighting China’s broader economic outlook, the consul general said 2025 marked the final year of China’s 14th Five Year Plan, during which the country maintained stable growth despite global economic challenges. He noted that China achieved around five percent economic growth with GDP reaching approximately 140 trillion yuan, alongside progress in green development, innovation, and reform. Looking ahead, he said 2026 would launch China’s 15th Five Year Plan, focusing on high quality development, innovation driven growth, artificial intelligence governance, green transition, and enhanced Belt and Road cooperation. He also termed 2026 a milestone year as China and Pakistan mark seventy five years of diplomatic relations, reaffirming their all weather strategic cooperative partnership and shared vision for regional stability and long term development.
