China and Pakistan have reaffirmed their long-standing strategic partnership by deepening security and defence cooperation through a new joint action plan, according to a report by Chinese state media outlet Xinhua. The agreement was formalised during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Beijing, where he held high-level discussions with President Xi Jinping and other senior Chinese officials.

At the core of the dialogue was the shared determination of both nations to address pressing regional security challenges, particularly the persistent threat of terrorism. Both sides acknowledged that regional stability is critical not only for their respective national interests but also for the broader security environment in South Asia, especially given the volatile dynamics in Afghanistan and heightened concerns over cross-border militancy.

The joint action plan focuses primarily on intensifying counterterrorism collaboration through intelligence sharing, capacity building, and security coordination mechanisms. This includes closer interaction between the military and law enforcement agencies of the two countries, development of new frameworks for information exchange on extremist movements, and enhanced cooperation along Pakistan’s western border to mitigate infiltration threats.

The initiative is also seen as a way to safeguard Chinese personnel and assets in Pakistan, especially those associated with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has faced security threats from militant groups in recent years.

Strengthening protection for these strategic projects is pivotal for Beijing, as they represent a flagship component of the Belt and Road Initiative and a vital economic lifeline for Islamabad.

In addition to counterterrorism, both governments emphasised deepening defence sector collaboration, encompassing joint training exercises, arms procurement, defence technology transfers, and strengthening maritime security cooperation.

The Pakistani leadership assured China of its commitment to ensuring a safe environment for Chinese investments in the country, while Beijing reiterated its firm support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, national security, and socioeconomic development. Significantly, the strategic dialogue underscored the mutually beneficial nature of the partnership, portraying it as a stabilising force in a region marred by geopolitical rivalries, border disputes, and evolving security threats.

The timing of this agreement is particularly notable, given the shifting power dynamics in South Asia. With the United States recalibrating its presence in the region following its withdrawal from Afghanistan, China has taken a more assertive role in regional security architecture.

Pakistan, facing economic headwinds and growing insurgent threats, views deepening defence ties with China as a crucial pillar of its foreign policy. By aligning their security priorities, both countries send a strong signal of their shared resolve against militant extremism while reinforcing the durability of their “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.”

The China-Pakistan joint action plan represents more than just a bilateral agreement; it reflects the consolidation of a robust security alliance aimed at countering terrorism, safeguarding mega-investments, and projecting stability in an increasingly uncertain regional environment.

For Pakistan, the pact strengthens its defence and counterterrorism capabilities, while for China, it ensures stability for its Belt and Road investments and bolsters its role as a pivotal security actor in South Asia.

Based On Reuters Report