The Communist Party Secretary of Xinjiang, Chen Xiaojiang, met with President Asif Ali Zardari and reaffirmed that Pakistan and China will continue to uphold a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and separatism, emphasising their shared commitment to regional stability and development.
The meeting took place in Urumqi, where Xinjiang Governor Erkin Tuniyaz also welcomed President Zardari. During the interaction, Chen Xiaojiang recalled President Zardari’s February 2025 visit to Beijing and his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which resulted in several key agreements.
Chen noted that the recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had further accelerated progress under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He highlighted Xinjiang’s emergence as a hub of prosperity and lasting peace, stating that the province’s GDP had exceeded 5.6 trillion yuan.
Emphasising developmental progress, Chen said Xinjiang is addressing the root causes of extremism and investing in social development. He also underscored the significance of people-to-people ties, noting that eight sister-city agreements exist between Pakistan and China, including one between Urumqi and Peshawar.
“China and Pakistan will continue to maintain a firm stance against terrorism and separatism,” Chen stated.
President Asif Zardari, in response, lauded the solidarity of the Chinese people and the remarkable development witnessed in Xinjiang. He said that Pakistan-China friendship has stood the test of time and remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued cooperation with China in eradicating terrorism and extremism, and expressed eagerness to enhance collaboration in agriculture, industry, mining, and emerging technologies.
The meeting was also attended by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Sindh Energy Minister Nasir Shah, and ambassadors from both countries.
