By Prof. Samitha Hettige

After the attacks in Kashmir, Indo-Pakistan relations are discussed in length. 8 weeks before Sri Lanka signed many agreements with the visiting Indian PM, in February 2025 at a high level meeting in Beijing, China & Pakistan renewed their all weather strategic partnership known as a choice by history & by the peoples of both.

Among others, studying below mutual agreements may help prevent national & regional conflicts.

1. China – Pakistan bond withstood test of changing international circumstances & its impact on geopolitics, regional peace, & sustainable development was commended by both.
2. China, a permanent members of the UN Security Council (others being USA, UK, France, & Russia) recognized Pakistan’s National Economic Transformation Plan (Uraan) & both refreshed the authority of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 which restored the lawful rights of the Peoples Republic of China in the UN(25 October 1971).
3. China renewed its support for Pakistan in defending its national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity to safeguard national security, stability, development & prosperity.
4. Pakistan stressed its condemnation of the terrorist attacks in Pakistan involving Chinese personnel, reaffirmed safety & security of Chinese personnel, projects & institutions in Pakistan (some elements directed spot lights on Indian agents – Ref. Media).
5. Pakistan shall continue to investigate into the terrorist attacks involving Chinese personnel to bring the perpetrators to justice.
6. Both reiterated the commitment to combating terrorism in all forms & manifestations with a zero tolerance attitude & agreed to strengthen bilateral/ multilateral cooperation on counter terrorism.
7. Both agreed to promote & implement the 8 steps on high quality Belt & Road cooperation in Pakistan & jointly build corridors for ; growth, enhance livelihoods, green economy, innovation, & an open corridor to create an upgraded version of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in line with Pakistan’s 5Es framework.
8. Both agreed to advance the upgrading of; ML-1 in a phased secure manner & the Karakoram Highway (Raikot-Thakot) to improve land connectivity.
9. Both welcomed the inauguration of the new Gwadar International Airport & reaffirmed commitment to promote Gwadar Port.
10. Two sides expressed willingness to encourage Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan’s mining industry & encourage relevant departments of both countries to carry out terrestrial & marine geological survey cooperation. Pakistan welcomed Chinese companies participating in offshore oil/ gas explorations.
11. Pakistan appreciated China’s contributions to alleviate power shortages in Pakistan & agreed to strengthen exchanges in improving efficiency/ management of the power system in Pakistan.
12. China reiterated that the Jammu & Kashmir dispute is left over from history & should be peacefully resolved in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Security Council resolutions & bilateral agreements (Ref. Media).

India may be discussing on suspending Indus Water Treaty (in place since 1960) which details how water from India can be used by the two. Pakistan is using that water for 80% of its irrigation & hydropower (Ref. Media). Since there is no provision in the treaty for either to suspend or terminate, there is less risk of conflict according to some. As proposed by President Trump in Okinawa, the QUAD was formed (with India, UK & Japan) to win those who go China for win-win cooperation. When USA left Afghanistan after occupying it for nearly 20 years (2021), CPEC/Belt & Road was the life line for most Afghans.

Referring to Kashmir terrorists PM Modi had stated that India would pursue them to the ends of the earth. Pope Francis AKA the Pope from the end of the earth is no more & the Buddha who resolved the ‘Rohini River’ water crisis is also no more. However, some were happy as if they saw the Buddha after seeing the tooth relic. Among them there may be those genuinely concerned about regional peace & agreements signed with India. They may read China’s win-win cooperation policy once again to resolve & prevent conflicts.

Views expressed are personal/ photo source www