On 15 December 2025 the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad hosted a high-level bilateral dialogue with the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, underscoring renewed focus on think tank cooperation to support the Pakistan–China strategic partnership. The meeting brought together senior scholars and diplomats to advance people-to-people, academic and policy exchanges ahead of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, described the Pakistan–China relationship as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and a stabilising force for regional peace and prosperity. He highlighted strategic convergence around CPEC and the Belt and Road Initiative, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for China’s Global Development, Security, Civilisation and Governance Initiatives while emphasising Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and a fair multipolar world order.
Prof. Chen Dongxiao, President of SIIS, said the strategic partnership between the two countries is increasingly important amid global change and challenges to international order. He underscored China’s interest in peace and development in South Asia and called for deeper academic and think tank cooperation to contribute to regional stability and constructive global engagement.
The Chinese delegation included Prof. Liu Zongyi, Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Centre for South Asia Studies at SIIS, along with Dr. Tan Chenyi, Dr. Zhang Xiaoyin and Mr. Shi Yuanqiang, Deputy Head of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad. Pakistani speakers comprised former and current envoys and senior officials, including Ambassador Masood Khalid, Ambassador Zamir Akram, Ambassador Asif Durrani and Mr. Ishtiak Akil, Director General (China) at the Foreign Office.
Dr. Talat Shabbir of ISSI’s CPSC delivered introductory remarks and moderated the sessions, guiding discussions on recent developments in China–Pakistan relations, evolving US global engagement, shifting regional dynamics and the situation in Afghanistan. Participants emphasised that sustained think tank cooperation can produce timely policy insights and strengthen bilateral coordination on shared challenges.
The dialogue concluded with closing remarks and a vote of thanks by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman of ISSI’s Board of Governors, who welcomed the SIIS contributions and expressed confidence that ongoing collaboration between ISSI and SIIS will reinforce Pakistan–China ties, support CPEC-driven development and promote long-term regional stability.
