75 Years of China-Pakistan Relations: Iron Brotherhood to All-Weather Strategic Partnership

Abstract

This paper explores the 75-year evolution of bilateral relations between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the People's Republic of China (PRC). Often described as an ‘Iron Brotherhood’ and an ‘All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,’ the relationship has transitioned from diplomatic recognition in 1951 to deep-seated geopolitical, economic, and strategic/military cooperation.  The paper aims to analyse the historical milestones, strategic convergences, and economic transformations of China-Pakistan bilateral relations, the impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and strategic cooperation/collaboration in addressing contemporary challenges faced in a rapidly shifting global order.