China has announced that it will provide Pakistan with another $1.3 billion in aid, which will further deepen their relationship. The move comes as the two countries celebrate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. The Chinese Foreign Ministry described the aid as “proof of the great friendship” between the two countries. This latest aid package follows a previous $1 billion package that China provided to Pakistan in June of this year.
China has been Pakistan’s largest foreign investor in recent years, with significant investment in infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, the economic relationship between the two countries has faced challenges in recent years, including concerns over the transparency and sustainability of BRI projects.
The announcement of the additional aid package comes at a time of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. India has accused Pakistan of supporting terrorism, while Pakistan has accused India of human rights violations in Kashmir. China has been seen as a key player in the region, and its support for Pakistan could be viewed as a signal to India. This aid package from China to Pakistan highlights the deepening ties between the two countries, particularly in the economic sphere. It also reflects China’s broader ambitions to expand its influence and strategic reach, particularly through the BRI. However, it remains to be seen how the economic relationship between China and Pakistan will evolve in the face of growing concerns over the sustainability of BRI projects.