Chinese Premier Li Qiang concluded his visit to Pakistan on Oct 17. His trip helps to diversify and strengthen the China-Pakistan relationship, which is seen as unique for several reasons.

First, it was built on mutual trust, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference. Second, the hard times strengthened the relationship and every test of history became an opportunity to enhance it. Third, it is built on the philosophy of relationships.

Both countries prioritize relationships, not interests. Therefore, ties continue to grow as an all-weather partnership of “iron brothers”.  

The relationship entered a new phase after the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and both sides decided to construct a community with a shared future. This vision revolves around five key areas: economy, development, civilization, security, and a beautiful environment. The analysis of the Pakistan-China relationship indicates that all instruments for building a community with a shared future are already in place.

READ MORE: Li: China, Pakistan poised to turn CPEC into demonstration project

First, Pakistan and China have forged a close economic partnership. The first trade transaction between them happened in 1952. It is worth mentioning that the trade balance favored Pakistan, as Pakistan exported goods worth $84 million, and China exported goods worth $2 million. China and Pakistan signed a landmark agreement in 1989 to further promote investment and economic linkages.

The Beijing Declaration in 2003, after the meeting of then Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf and then Chinese president Hu Jintao, further diversified and consolidated cooperation. In continuation of the engagement, both countries signed the Energy Framework for Cooperation and Free Trade Agreement in 2006 during Hu’s visit. It has been estimated that before the launch of CPEC, Chinese companies’ total investment in Pakistan was around $10-$15 billion.

However, the launch of CPEC changed the dynamics of the economic cooperation. China declared it the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative. Since the start of CPEC, China has invested $28 billion. Now, in the second phase of CPEC, investment will be accelerated in the coming years.

Second, China and Pakistan have developed strong development cooperation in different fields. Both sides have continued to assist each other in difficult times, such as floods and earthquakes. The China International Development Cooperation Agency has also aided in tackling poverty in Pakistan, especially in the Balochistan region. Both countries are strengthening cooperation under the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and it is pertinent to highlight here that Pakistan has established a dedicated parliamentary group, the Global Development Initiative Forum.

It is the only global parliamentary group on the GDI, which shows that Pakistan is very serious about working with the GDI and strengthening China's hands to promote inclusive, sustainable development.

Third, environmental cooperation was limited in the last century, but in recent years, both countries have accelerated efforts to enhance it. Pakistan and China have decided to turn the CPEC into a green CPEC and are investing in green energy such as wind, solar, and hydropower. They are also working to fast-track the green transition in Pakistan.

Moreover, China and Pakistan are working to promote climate-smart agriculture and have agreed to consolidate cooperation in combating climate change. Recently, China launched an initiative to construct an ecological civilization to mainstream the philosophy of harmony between humans and nature. This initiative is expected to further enhance cooperation.  

Fourth, Pakistan and China’s relationship provides an excellent example of brotherhood between two civilizations. Despite their differences, both countries forged deep linkages in all fields of life, including economy, security, and culture. The world can learn from the example of how two civilizations thrive together by assisting each other without becoming victims of a superiority complex. China and Pakistan can take this experience to the Global Civilization Initiative and create a good model for the world to follow.

Fifth, security is another area that Pakistan and China focus on. China and Pakistan never compromised on each other’s national interests. For example, Pakistan always supported China rather than advocating for its rightful place in the UN. Moreover, Pakistan always supports the one-China policy and the South China Sea policy. China also stood by Pakistan through thick and thin and always supported Kashmir’s cause.

The cooperation in the security field is dynamic and diversified. China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the Armed Forces of Pakistan played prominent roles in strengthening the relationships. Both forces carried the spirit of brotherhood, mutual trust, and respect. Armed forces from both sides developed a relationship that can face any challenge with grace and strength.

It is good to note that Pakistan and China are also working to enhance cooperation under the Global Security Initiative.

The above indicates that Pakistan and China are at an advanced stage in constructing a community with a shared future.

ALSO READ: Hype, hope, and hard truths of CPEC

However, Pakistan and China must be conscious that some external forces do not like such a strong relationship. They are continuously working to sabotage it in one way or another. For example, most recently, they have launched terrorist attacks against the CPEC and Chinese investment. They are doing so to achieve two goals.

One, they want to pressure Pakistan to curtail the CPEC and its relationship with China. Two, they threaten Chinese companies to leave Pakistan, and should these firms start to leave Pakistan or China lower its investment, they will use this to propagate against China. They will develop a narrative that if China cannot help its “iron brother” how can other countries trust China?  

Hence, both countries must be mindful of this dimension and create joint mechanisms to respond to opponents' initiatives. Pakistan and China can establish a joint forum on the “Economy and Security Cooperation Forum”.    

The author is CEO of the Asian Institute of Eco-civilization Research and Development in Pakistan. 

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.