Learning Session on “Growing Strategic Importance of Pakistan–China Relations” for the China Fellowship Program at the University of Sargodha

On 10th March 2026, a learning session on “Pakistan–China Strategic Partnership in the Changing Geopolitics of South Asia” was conducted under the joint China Fellowship Program at the University of Sargodha (UoS). The session was led by Dr. Kishwar Munir, Head of Department and Associate Professor, The School of Integrated Social Sciences, University of Lahore, Lahore.
Dr. Kishwar Munir began by highlighting the strategic importance of South Asia, describing it as a region shaped by major power competition and vital trade routes connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. She traced the historical evolution of Pakistan–China relations, noting that diplomatic ties were established in 1951, making Pakistan among the first Muslim countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China. She also discussed key milestones including the 1963 Border Agreement and Pakistan’s role in facilitating China–US rapprochement in the 1970s. She emphasized that the partnership between Pakistan and China is based on strategic convergence, where Pakistan seeks economic development and security balance in South Asia, while China aims to ensure western border stability and access to the Arabian Sea. Over time, this relationship has evolved into an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
While discussing economic cooperation, she highlighted the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). CPEC promotes regional connectivity through infrastructure development, energy projects, highways, railways, and special economic zones. She also underlined the strategic importance of Gwadar Port in enhancing regional trade and connectivity.
The lecture also addressed defense cooperation, regional power politics, and emerging geopolitical dynamics in South Asia. Dr. Munir noted that developments such as India–US strategic alignment and maritime competition in the Indian Ocean continue to shape the regional balance of power. She further discussed challenges including security concerns and economic sustainability, while highlighting opportunities in technology cooperation, renewable energy, and digital connectivity.
The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment, where students actively engaged with the speaker on topics including CPEC, regional connectivity, and the future of Pakistan–China relations.
The session was moderated by Ms. Alishba Aslam, Research Officer at the Pakistan Institute of China Studies (PICS), University of Sargodha (UoS).