'To deepen all-weather partnership': Chinese FM wraps up India visit; heads to Pakistan next

NEW DELHI: After his two-day visit to New Delhi, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi is set to travel to Pakistan to attend the annual strategic dialogue aimed at reviewing “all-weather” ties.This comes amid Islamabad’s growing engagement with the United States against the backdrop of President Trump’s tariffs.Pakistan’s foreign office said Wang is visiting at the invitation of foreign minister Dar to co-chair the sixth Pakistan-China foreign ministers’ strategic dialogue on August 21.“The visit is part of the regular high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China to further deepen their ‘All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,’ reaffirm support on issues of respective core interests, enhance economic and trade cooperation, and reaffirm their joint commitment to regional peace, development and stability,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.This will be Wang’s second visit to Pakistan in three years, and the latest high-level exchange between the two countries following recent bilateral meetings and visits, Mao Ning told a media briefing in Beijing.Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, as India continues efforts to ease tensions in ties with China. The meeting took place against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump’s recent move to impose tariffs, including a 50% duty on India.

PM Modi stressed the need for peace and stability along the India-China border and reiterated India’s commitment to a fair and mutually acceptable boundary resolution.Wang also held talks with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar and attended the 24th round of Special Representatives’ boundary talks with NSA Ajit Doval on Tuesday.Asked whether it is a challenge for China to pursue relationships with both India and Pakistan at the same time, given the troubled history between the two neighbours, foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, “China is willing to conduct friendly cooperation with both countries.”“As for issues between them, we hope they will find proper solutions. China stands ready to play a constructive role in light of their will,” she added.