Ahead of Wang Yi’s Pak visit, Islamabad, Beijing discuss arms control, disarmament

Days before Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is due in Islamabad for the 6th Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue, the two countries held consultations in Beijing on arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament.

The two sides exchanged views on global and regional security, including a detailed review of the situation in South Asia and the challenges to strategic stability. “They also discussed issues on the agenda of the UN General Assembly First Committee, the Conference on Disarmament, and key international conventions such as the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention and the Chemical Weapons Convention,” Pakistan said.

The security implications of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, as well as cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear technology and outer space, also figured in the talks.

With Wang Yi visiting, the two sides are expected to take stock of their “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” reviewing political, economic and defence cooperation. The agenda also includes strengthening trade ties, expanding connectivity under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and reaffirming commitment to regional peace, stability and development. Pakistan says such exchanges are part of a “regular mechanism” to align political, economic and strategic priorities between the two.