President Zardari has arrived in the tropical resort city of Sanya, located in China’s Hainan province, to engage in high-level discussions focused on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and to witness a key development in maritime defence cooperation between the two nations.
This visit marks the second phase of Zardari’s five-day official trip to China, following his initial stay in Changsha, Hunan province. The President is set to meet with Chinese officials to deliberate on advancing the next stage of the $65 billion infrastructure project, which remains a vital component of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.
At the heart of the talks in Sanya is the ongoing expansion of CPEC, a multi-billion-dollar framework aimed at modernizing Pakistan’s infrastructure and energy sectors. As Pakistan works to stabilize its economy under a $7 billion IMF program, this visit represents a strategic effort to attract further investments and enhance trade cooperation.
Officials from the President’s office have indicated that discussions will emphasize strengthening bilateral economic relations, ensuring the timely completion of current development projects, and exploring new opportunities for regional connectivity involving Gulf and Central Asian countries.
In addition to economic matters, the visit carries significant importance for Pakistan’s naval capabilities. President Zardari is scheduled to attend the formal commissioning ceremony of the Hangor-class submarine, the first of eight vessels being procured from China. This acquisition underscores the robust military partnership between the two countries.
Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reveals that Pakistan accounted for over 60 percent of China’s total arms exports between 2020 and 2024. Under the current agreement, four of these advanced submarines are being constructed in China, while the remaining four will be assembled locally at the Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.
The addition of these submarines is expected to significantly enhance the Pakistan Navy’s strategic capabilities and underwater combat strength in the Indian Ocean region.
