As China and Pakistan celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, many expressions are being used to describe their enduring friendship.
This is not surprising, given that the region now known as Pakistan has historically served as a bridge linking South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, facilitating China's trade and exchange of ideas, goods, and philosophies since the Han Dynasty (206 BC–AD 220).
From ancient times, the people of this region have been fascinated by Chinese culture, particularly its silk, herbal medicine, food, tools and crafts.
Stories dating back 3,000 years, including the legend of the Queen Mother of the West, or Xi Wang Mu, and her peach banquet, are remembered by the people of Hunza in northern Pakistan, where they grow longevity peaches.
These fables and folk traditions have been passed down through generations, reflecting the deep bonds between the two countries.
The exchanges are evident not only in legends but also in the names and nomenclature of spices, herbs and medicines that persist to this day. Even sustained efforts by the colonial powers to erase these identities proved futile.
Pakistanis have always admired the Chinese values of hard work, humility, positivity and good neighborliness.
Chinese wisdom, which is rooted in common sense, has long been used to resolve complex problems. These cultural imprints are important, as they nourish the many values that unite the people of the two countries.
Like China, Pakistan is also an ancient civilization, being the cradle of the Indus Valley Civilization, as well as the Harappa and Gandhara civilizations.
Mahayana Buddhism was among this region's earliest cultural exports to China. Famous Chinese travelers Faxian and Xuanzang journeyed through what is now modern-day Pakistan in search of authentic Buddhist sutras.
Xuanzang's journey later became the inspiration for the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) novel Journey to the West by Wu Cheng'en, highlighting the bonds that unite the two peoples.
Today's generation in both countries is reenacting that history. The intelligentsia has a common responsibility to help future generations know about their common heritage in order to build a community with a shared future for humanity.
China's remarkable advances in technology, the economy, artificial intelligence, national defense and governance — underpinned by its deep cultural traditions and distinct development model with Chinese characteristics — have become an important reference point for many countries in the Global South, particularly its "ironclad brother" Pakistan. The successes achieved so far in bilateral and multilateral cooperation underscore the strength, resilience and strategic depth of this multi-dimensional relationship.
The successful implementation of projects during the first phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has been a major milestone. This success raises hopes that the second phase of the CPEC will be even more successful.
It is important to note that China-Pakistan cooperation extends far beyond the domains of the CPEC into strategic areas such as defense projects, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, renewable energy, mining, automobiles, maritime monitoring capabilities, space exploration, AI and human resource development.
For example, Pakistan's integration into the Chinese supply chain and its adept use of Chinese aviation technology, such as the JF-17 Thunder and advanced J-10C aircraft, have made the Pakistan Air Force a global ambassador for these technologies.
A new world order is emerging as the old one crumbles. With Asia on the rise, the unique relationship between China and Pakistan baffles many, particularly in the Western world.
Both countries enjoy a harmonious relationship built on trust, goodwill and cooperation. China has never interfered in Pakistan's internal affairs or exerted pressure. Instead, it has assisted Pakistan without any expectation of a quid pro quo.
As steadfast allies, both countries always work closely to ensure peace, prosperity and stability in Eurasia, West Asia, the Gulf and South Asia.
The second quarter of the 21st century marks the beginning of a multi-polar world, with China and Pakistan seeking a just, equitable, peaceful, harmonious and prosperous global order.
China's vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, under the Belt and Road Initiative, is the next phase of globalization.
As an ancient civilization, China follows the "prosper thy neighbor" philosophy, sharing its experience with all countries of the Global South.
Pakistan is ideally positioned to benefit from this partnership.
The author is the former director of the China Studies Centre at Pakistan's National University of Sciences and Technology and a former ambassador.