Pakistan, China Urge Taliban to Take Verifiable Action against Terror Groups

Pakistan and China on Monday issued a coordinated and firm message to the Afghan Taliban, urging them to take “visible and verifiable actions” to dismantle and eliminate all terrorist organisations operating from Afghan soil and to ensure that Afghanistan is not used for terrorism against any country.

The call was made in a joint communiqué released after the Seventh Round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

Both sides agreed to maintain close communication and coordination on Afghanistan and to work with the international community to encourage the Afghan authorities to establish an inclusive political framework, pursue moderate policies, prioritise development, uphold good-neighbourly relations, and play a constructive role in regional stability and international integration.

According to the communiqué, Dar visited China from January 3 to January 5 at Wang Yi’s invitation, while the dialogue took place on January 4. The two sides held extensive discussions on bilateral ties, regional and international developments, and cooperation across political, strategic, defence, security, economic and people-to-people sectors.

Pakistan and China also announced plans to launch commemorative activities in 2026 to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, describing the milestone as an opportunity to further strengthen friendship and expand cooperation into new areas.

Reaffirming that they are all-weather strategic cooperative partners with an “ironclad friendship,” both countries stressed that the steady growth of China-Pakistan relations carries strategic importance for regional peace, stability and development. They agreed to implement the Action Plan to Foster an Even Closer China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era (2025–2029).

Islamabad praised China’s development achievements under President Xi Jinping and congratulated Beijing on the completion of its 14th Five-Year Plan and the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan. In return, China commended Pakistan’s leadership for achieving macroeconomic stability and advancing growth under the National Economic Transformation Plan, URAAN Pakistan 2024–2029.

Both sides reiterated unwavering support for each other’s core interests. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China principle and support for China on Taiwan, Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea, while China reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, development path and counterterrorism efforts.

China praised Pakistan’s measures to combat terrorism and protect Chinese personnel, projects and institutions, acknowledging Pakistan’s contributions and sacrifices. Both sides reaffirmed zero tolerance for terrorism, opposed double standards in counterterrorism, and agreed to deepen security cooperation to ensure the safe advancement of Belt and Road cooperation.

On the economic front, the two countries agreed to develop an upgraded CPEC 2.0, focusing on industry, agriculture and mining, accelerating Gwadar Port development, ensuring smooth transit along the Karakoram Highway, and strengthening Pakistan’s sustainable development capacity. They also agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, IT, science and technology, cybersecurity, education, vocational training and cultural exchanges.

The year-round opening of the Khunjerab Pass was described as a boost for trade and people-to-people contacts, while third-party participation in CPEC was welcomed. Pakistan appreciated China’s support for its fiscal and financial sectors, and both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in financial and banking forums, as well as space cooperation, including the anticipated participation of Pakistani astronauts in the China Space Station.

On regional and global issues, the two countries reaffirmed support for the UN Charter, opposition to unilateral actions, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. China reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir issue should be resolved in accordance with UN resolutions and bilateral agreements.

Both sides also called for an unconditional, comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, reaffirmed support for Palestinian self-determination and the two-state solution, and expressed concern over the situation in the occupied West Bank. They pledged closer coordination in multilateral forums, including the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and agreed to continue strengthening their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

Dar thanked Wang Yi for the hospitality extended during the visit, and both sides agreed that the next round of the Strategic Dialogue will be held in Islamabad next year on mutually convenient dates.