ISLAMABAD: (Internews) Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong has said that the development of both countries has injected strong momentum into China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
While addressing to the 9th CPEC Media Forum hosted by Pakistan-China Institute (PCI), in collaboration with China Economic Net and embassy of Peoples Republic of China on Wednesday, ambassador said that it is a great pleasure for him to attend this session of CPEC Media Forum. Since its inception in 2015, the forum has become an influential platform for bilateral exchanges in the media field, playing a significant role in deepening media cooperation, enhancing mutual understanding, and supporting the development of the CPEC.
Ambassador said that he would like to express his sincere gratitude to friends from the media and all sectors of both countries who have long cared for and supported China-Pakistan relations and cooperation.
Ambassador also stated that over the past decade, the forum has grown alongside the CPEC, fostering a favorable public opinion environment for its advancement.
In 2015, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Pakistan solidified the “1+4” cooperation framework for CPEC. That same year, the CPEC Media Forum was launched in Islamabad, said ambassador.
In the ten years since, both sides have actively implemented high-level consensus, transforming the CPEC into a comprehensive cooperation project spanning multiple sectors. It has significantly contributed to Pakistan’s economic and social development, emerging as a flagship initiative of the Belt and Road Initiative, added ambassador.
Similarly, during this period, the CPEC Media Forum has evolved from a platform for information exchange into a high-level dialogue brand, walking alongside and serving the CPEC with distinctive contributions.
Firstly, by sharing cooperation stories and promoting outcomes, it has made the CPEC tangible and rallied support for its progress. Secondly, it has countered baseless narratives such as the “debt trap” theory with data and facts, exposing those who seek to undermine the CPEC while bolstering its builders. Thirdly, going beyond mere discourse, the forum has taken concrete actions—such as establishing the “Golden Anchor Award for CPEC Communication” to set benchmarks for amplifying the CPEC’s voice and extending media collaboration through initiatives like the “Journalists’ Fellowship Program, told ambassador.
Looking ahead, the CPEC will continue to be a key pillar of China-Pakistan cooperation, and media professionals from both sides have vast potential to contribute to the forum’s development, ambassador noted.
Next year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. Weare ready to work with Pakistan to implement the important consensus of our leaders, build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, and leverage the upgraded version of CPEC as a platform to consolidate and expand all-weather strategic cooperation, said ambassador.
Ambassador also added that he trusts that media professionals from both countries will closely align with the dynamic practices of CPEC development, strengthen exchanges, and serve as interpreters of the two nations’ development paths, communicators of CPEC achievements, and promoters of the ironclad China-Pakistan friendship. By enhancing media-think tank linkages, shaping proactive narratives, and building an international communication matrix, we can foster stronger public support, broader societal consensus, and greater momentum for the China-Pakistan community with a shared future.
