Zardari Cites 14 China Visits, Calls CPEC Transformative at 75‑Year Anniversary

**President Asif Ali Zardari said he has visited China 14 times, praised the China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor as a historic driver of development, and noted China’s early aid during the 2010 floods, as Pakistan and China marked 75 years of diplomatic ties.

The remarks came at a ceremony in Islamabad on May 21, where officials unveiled a commemorative stamp and opened a photo exhibition celebrating seven decades of partnership. Senior leaders from both nations, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese diplomats, attended the event, underscoring the durability of the “Iron Brotherhood” label often used to describe the relationship.

The gathering highlighted cooperation across trade, infrastructure, defence, education and cultural exchanges. The stamp features the national flags of Pakistan and China intertwined with a depiction of the historic Silk Road, symbolizing centuries of exchange.

Zardari told the audience that his personal travel to China totals 14 visits, with two of those occurring in the past year and his most recent trip including a stop at Mao Zedong’s birthplace in Hunan province. He recalled that during the devastating 2010 floods in Pakistan, China was among the first countries to respond, dispatching helicopters, medicines, doctors and technical experts to assist relief efforts. Describing the China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor, he called it a historic initiative that continues to reshape Pakistan’s socio‑economic landscape through projects in energy, transport and industry.

The emphasis on frequent high‑level visits signals Islamabad’s intent to keep the bilateral channel open amid shifting regional dynamics. By pointing to concrete humanitarian assistance and long‑term infrastructure work, the leadership seeks to reinforce public perception of China as a reliable partner.

Observers will watch whether the upcoming fiscal year sees new CPEC‑linked projects move from planning to implementation and how any changes in global trade patterns affect the corridor’s uptake. The next step to monitor is the announcement of specific timelines for the next phase of Gwadar Port development and related special economic zone activities.