Why Does China Consider Pakistan a Loyal Friend? A Historic and Strategic Alliance Explained
China and Pakistan share a relationship often described as being “higher than the mountains, deeper than the oceans, and sweeter than honey.” While such language might sound poetic or even hyperbolic, the truth is that the China–Pakistan friendship has stood the test of time. From Cold War diplomacy to natural disasters and global political upheavals, Pakistan has consistently stood by China in moments that deeply mattered.
This unwavering support has not gone unnoticed in Beijing. In fact, three key historical episodes highlight why China considers Pakistan not just an ally, but a loyal and irreplaceable friend.
1. The Secret Diplomatic Channel That Opened China to the World (1970–1971)
One of the most significant moments in modern geopolitical history was the thawing of relations between China and the United States in the early 1970s — and Pakistan played a quiet but pivotal role in making it happen.
In 1970, Pakistan acted as a secret intermediary between the U.S. and China at a time when the two nations had no formal diplomatic ties. It was through Islamabad that U.S. National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger made a covert trip to Beijing, a mission that led to President Richard Nixon’s historic visit in 1972. This engagement laid the groundwork for the normalization of U.S.–China relations and was instrumental in China’s eventual recognition by the United Nations as the legitimate representative of China in 1971, replacing Taiwan.
For Beijing, this episode is etched in its diplomatic memory as a profound gesture of trust and loyalty. Pakistan helped China enter the global stage at a time when few would — or could.
2. Diplomatic Loyalty During Crisis: The Tiananmen Square Incident (1989)
Fast forward to 1989, a year of great upheaval in China marked by the June 4th Tiananmen Square protests. As Western nations imposed sanctions and strongly condemned the Chinese government’s actions, few countries stood with Beijing.
Pakistan was one of them.
Despite being a non-socialist country with close ties to the West, Pakistan chose to support China during one of its most diplomatically isolated moments. This act of solidarity reinforced Pakistan’s image as a dependable partner who values strategic loyalty over short-term political gains.
Moreover, Pakistan has consistently supported China on sensitive issues such as Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang. Unlike many Western countries that criticize China on human rights or sovereignty matters, Pakistan defends China’s right to manage its internal affairs without foreign interference. This unwavering political backing continues to strengthen the trust between the two nations.
3. Total Humanitarian Support After the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake
Beyond diplomacy and defense, the China–Pakistan friendship has also revealed itself in moments of humanitarian need. When the devastating Wenchuan earthquake struck China’s Sichuan province in 2008, killing nearly 70,000 people and displacing millions, Pakistan’s response was immediate and deeply touching.
Pakistan donated all of its available emergency relief tents — every single one — to China. Despite its own economic limitations, the Pakistani government prioritized China’s needs, sending both material aid and trained rescue personnel to assist in relief operations.
For a proud nation like China, such a gesture of selfless solidarity from a developing country was not only appreciated but remembered with great emotional value. It showed that Pakistan’s friendship wasn’t only strategic or political — it was also deeply human.
More Than Words: China’s Reciprocal Support
China hasn’t forgotten these acts of loyalty. Over the years, it has extended significant military, economic, and technological support to Pakistan.
- The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $60+ billion infrastructure investment initiative, is a cornerstone of this partnership. It includes highways, ports, power plants, and special economic zones that are transforming Pakistan’s economy.
- China is also Pakistan’s largest arms supplier and has helped develop its missile and nuclear capabilities.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, China provided Pakistan with millions of vaccine doses, PPE, and financial support.
In Beijing’s strategic calculus, Pakistan is not merely a neighbor or a defense partner — it is a tried-and-true ally.
Conclusion: An Enduring Brotherhood Built on Trust and Mutual Respect
The relationship between China and Pakistan is unique in global diplomacy. It is rooted not only in strategic interests but also in a deep sense of mutual respect and shared experiences. Whether it was facilitating China’s opening to the world, standing by its side during diplomatic crises, or offering every possible aid in times of humanitarian disaster, Pakistan has proven time and again that it is a reliable friend.
And in the words of many Chinese leaders: “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” This is why China considers Pakistan more than an ally — it considers Pakistan family.
