Islamabad witnessed a significant milestone in Pakistan-China bilateral relations as the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) convened a high-level dialogue with the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), China’s leading foreign policy think tank. Under the theme “Strengthening Think Tank and Academic Exchanges Between China and Pakistan and Deepening the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” the event highlighted the growing role of intellectual and scholarly collaboration in sustaining one of the world’s most enduring strategic alliances.
As both countries prepare to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, this dialogue served as a forward-looking platform to align perspectives on global and regional challenges while reinforcing mutual trust.
The Chinese delegation was led by Prof. Chen Dongxiao, President of SIIS, and included prominent experts such as Prof. Liu Zongyi, Director of the Centre for South Asia Studies, along with other senior researchers. Representing Pakistan were seasoned diplomats and strategic thinkers, including Ambassador Masood Khalid, Ambassador Zamir Akram, Ambassador Asif Durrani, and Mr. Ishtiak Akil, Director General (China) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The presence of Mr. Shi Yuanqiang, Deputy Head of Mission at the Chinese Embassy, further underscored the official importance of the exchange.
Sessions delved into critical topics, including:
- Recent progress in bilateral cooperation
- Shifts in U.S. global strategy and their implications
- Evolving regional security dynamics, with particular attention to Afghanistan
Reaffirming an Ironclad Partnership
In his opening address, ISSI Director General Ambassador Sohail Mahmood described the Pakistan-China relationship as the bedrock of Pakistan’s foreign policy and a key stabilizer in an increasingly volatile region. He emphasized deep strategic alignment through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as well as Pakistan’s support for China’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative.
Ambassador Mahmood stressed that Pakistan’s partnership with China enhances—rather than contradicts—its pursuit of inclusive regional engagement and a multipolar world order based on equity and cooperation. He expressed optimism that sustained ISSI-SIIS collaboration would yield fresh policy ideas ahead of the landmark diplomatic anniversary.
Prof. Chen Dongxiao echoed these sentiments, noting that global turbulence has made the Pakistan-China strategic partnership more relevant than ever. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to peace and development in South Asia and highlighted Pakistan as a reliable, all-weather partner. Prof. Chen particularly advocated for stronger people-to-people and academic ties as essential foundations for long-term bilateral resilience.
The Growing Importance of Think-Tank Cooperation
The dialogue builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed between ISSI and SIIS earlier in 2025, which formalized joint research, seminars, and scholar exchanges. In an era of complex geopolitical shifts, such second-track diplomacy plays a vital role in:
- Generating independent, evidence-based policy recommendations
- Countering misperceptions and building narrative alignment
- Providing intellectual backing for high-level political decisions
Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director of ISSI’s China-Pakistan Study Centre, moderated the sessions and highlighted how these academic partnerships contribute to the long-term health of bilateral ties.
A Shared Vision for Regional Stability
The event concluded with remarks from Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of ISSI’s Board of Governors, who thanked the SIIS delegation and expressed confidence that ongoing think-tank engagement would help advance shared objectives of peace, prosperity, and stability.
As CPEC enters its second phase with expanded focus on industrialization, agriculture, and digital connectivity, intellectual exchanges like this one ensure that strategic convergence remains robust and adaptable. With both nations committed to a “community of shared future,” the ISSI-SIIS dialogue exemplifies how scholarly collaboration is becoming an increasingly important pillar of the Pakistan-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership in 2025 and beyond
