Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong has stressed the importance of China and Pakistan fostering mutually advantageous collaborations, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor that has prompted the rapid development of Gwadar Port in Balochistan in recent years.

According to Pakistan Today, during a September 20 meeting with a delegation of journalists from Balochistan held in Beijing, Minister Nong maintained that the enduring friendship between China and Pakistan is marked by “unwavering support during challenging times.”

He underlined the necessity for both nations to collaboratively establish a secure and predictable business environment to facilitate a positive cycle of development and security.

Gwadar is the linchpin of China’s Belt and Road infrastructure endeavors in Pakistan — known collectively as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). But development slowed under the previous leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan amid friction between the two governments. 

Developments have attracted ire from Gwadar locals, who say Islamabad has failed to address their concerns over thousands of illegal fishing trawlers from abroad and other parts of Pakistan depleting marine resources, along with insufficient water and power supplies and a clampdown on informal trade across the border with Iran.