Pakistan-China relation has a long history with deep roots and strengthened over decades, as both states have built close political, trade, defense cooperation and become strategic partners. The cornerstone of this partnership is the continuously developing security cooperation that turned into one of the strongest and unchangeable factors in relations between the two states. Pakistan and China have deep rooted security cooperation interests at regional level as well as in defense and intelligence domain.

Security cooperation between Pakistan and China began in the 1950, when Pakistan was the first country in South Asia to recognize PRC. It was in the 1960s that this partnership started developing as both countries had something to fear in the same region. Pakistan’s relations with the neighboring gigantic country, India, and China’s political-diplomatic differences with Soviet Union back then helped to pave the way for a strategic partnership.

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However, beginning from the Sino-Indian War of 1962, especially due to tit-for-tat behavior of India and Pakistan, these two countries saw a well-articulated policy of rolling back Indian influence in South Asia. By 1970s, Pakistan emerged as an important strategic partner of China in South Asia where military and security dimension assumed main importance.

China-Pakistan strategic partnership provides a window to South Asia, Arabian Sea and the rest of the Middle East.

The relationship was also military based because China helped Pakistan with military assistance as well as technology and strategies that were very useful for Pakistan, especially during wars against India. Several defense cooperation treaties were signed between the two countries; mutual defense training, equipment as well as strategic talks ensued. This has of course given rise to a much more intensive relationship over the years to correspond with change in the security threats in the region.

The importance of security cooperation between Pakistan and China is important strategic point of view keeping in view regional and international perspectives. China-Pakistan strategic partnership provides a window to South Asia, Arabian Sea and the rest of the Middle East. In the eyes of Pakistan, China is believed to be an effective check to India and an indispensable supplier of military equipment and services.

Pakistan has had to strive with security issues, which include India, domestic rebellions, and terrorism. Despite, these challenges, China has always been supportive of Pakistan through diplomatic means including in the international organizations. The nature of the relation is defined as the “all-weather friendship status”, which in general points at the multiple fields for cooperation.

China has been a long-time arms supplier to Pakistan where it has sent sophisticated weapons, warplanes and naval vessels.

Because of the multilayered strategic partnership, military cooperation is one of the strong points of Pakistan-China relations. Two nations have conducted many bilateral military exercises for many years, which testifies to their wellness and security responsibility in the region. These include the Shaheen series of exercises of air forces meant for improving cooperation, exchange of ideas in operations, and for building up brother sentiment.

China has been a long-time arms supplier to Pakistan where it has sent sophisticated weapons, warplanes and naval vessels. The JF-17 Thunder fighter which owes its production to Pakistan and China is another good example of the two nations’ military cooperation. This relationship has not only helped improve the strength of Pakistan’s defense but also added to the buildup of homegrown defense industry. The collaboration encompasses sharing technological capability and manufacturing of weapons, which helps Pakistan improve indigenous defense production.

One of the most important projects under the BRI, the CPEC also carries the extensive security implications as well. Although the CPEC is mainly involved in the construction of infrastructure and economic resources’ development, it is also strategic. The Gwadar Port under the CPEC is important for China’s missile by granting it access to the Arabian Sea and increases China’s reach and power in the Indian Ocean area. Despite the economic cooperation as the main theme of the Pak–Iran relations, the security aspect is especially important, especially regarding protection of the CPEC projects in Pakistan.

One of the significant features of security cooperation between Pakistan and China is counterterrorism and intelligence. The two countries are threatened by terrorist organizations and secessionist movements, hence, countering terrorism is in common interest. China has complained about the Uighur militants from the Xinjiang province inside Pakistan’s tribal areas and, on the other hand, militant groups from within Pakistan have been a threat to the security of the country.

Economic cooperation has been another main element of this partnership. At the same time, addressing each other’s concerns at the international level has been another trait of both nations’ cooperation.

To address all these issues, Pakistan and China have taken measures and increased flow of intelligence sharing between both the two countries, accompanied by increased cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. China has outfitted Pakistan with modern surveillance gear, trained its security forces in countering extremism and has offered them professional assistance. They have also coordinated their actions in the international organizations, promoting collective approach towards fight against terrorism and extremism.

Bargaining dynamics of commitment-based strategic interaction resources determine the security cooperation of Pakistan and China. These two countries have active diplomatic relations and meet at very high levels to unresolved issues of defense and security.

Economic cooperation has been another main element of this partnership. At the same time, addressing each other’s concerns at the international level has been another trait of both nations’ cooperation. China actively defends and supports Pakistan decisions and actions on the international arena at the United Nations. China has provided diplomatic support to Pakistan in disputes with India such as the former issue over the territory of Kashmir. On the other hand, Pakistani has stood for China’s concerns such as the South China Sea issue and the Taiwan issue.