China’s Xi to renew special ties with Pakistan

Barely weeks before he hosts India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, China’s President Xi Jinping travels to Pakistan to renew special relationship with Beijing’s all-weather ally.

Xi will begin his two-day visit to Pakistan on a two-day visit, where he will hold a series of meetings with Pakistan’s President, Prime Minister, Chief of Army Staff, and Chairman, Chief of Staff. A high-profile delegation of Chinese officials will accompany the president.

This will be Xi’s first visit to Pakistan as the head of state.

The two countries are expected to seal more than two dozen deals during the Chinese president’s visit in diverse areas, including nuclear power, energy, trade, investment and the Gwadar Port.

The spotlight will be on the 3000-kilometre economic corridor, which will start in China’s western regions of Xinjiang through to Gwadar, a Chinese-funded port on the Arabian Sea. Gwadar could provide China the shortest link to Europe, Africa and Middle-East.

Xi is also likely to meet the opposition leaders and address a joint session of parliament.

Pakistan had been waiting for Xi’s visit for months. The planned visit last year was cancelled due to anti-government protests in Pakistan.

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