PTBP Web Desk
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its strong strategic trust and communication with Pakistan, dismissing speculation that Islamabad’s recent cooperation with the United States in the mining sector could undermine the long-standing China-Pakistan partnership.
During a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that Beijing remains fully informed of Pakistan’s engagements in the mining industry and that both countries continue to enjoy “high-level strategic mutual trust.”
“The two countries have maintained high-level strategic mutual trust and close communication on major issues concerning each other’s common interests,” Lin Jian said. “From what I’ve learned, the two countries have been in communication on Pakistan-US mining cooperation.”
The Chinese spokesperson’s remarks came after reports surfaced about a mineral shipment from Pakistan to the United States and speculation on social media alleging that the move might have been linked to China’s recent export control measures on rare earth materials.
Lin Jian clarified that Pakistan and China have maintained consistent communication regarding Pakistan’s mining activities. He further highlighted that Islamabad had assured Beijing that its cooperation with Washington would never compromise Chinese interests.
“Pakistan stressed that its interactions with the US will never harm China’s interests or its cooperation with China,” Lin added.
This reassurance underscores the continued coordination between the two nations on sensitive economic and strategic matters.
For decades, China and Pakistan have shared a partnership based on deep political, military, and economic cooperation. The two countries’ collaboration under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) — a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative — remains a cornerstone of their economic relations.
(Internal Link Suggestion: Link “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)” to your previous or planned article explaining CPEC developments in Pakistan.)
The Chinese spokesperson also addressed an image that went viral on social media, allegedly showing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir presenting a box of mineral samples to former US President Donald Trump.
Responding to the circulating photo, Lin Jian described such reports as “baseless and misleading”, asserting that the samples shown in the image were simple gem ores purchased by private staff in Pakistan, not official mineral exports.
“The samples that the Pakistani leaders showed and gave to the US leader are gem ores purchased by staff in Pakistan,” he said. “The reported stories that you mentioned are either misinformed or invented, or even designed to drive a wedge between China and Pakistan. They are just baseless.”
This clarification comes at a time when regional analysts have expressed concerns about how disinformation campaigns may seek to disrupt Beijing and Islamabad’s strategic alignment.
(External Link Suggestion: Link to a reputable news source such as Reuters or CGTN that previously covered China-Pakistan diplomatic relations.)
Lin Jian also took the opportunity to clarify that China’s recently released export control measures on rare earth elements were not connected to Pakistan or its trade activities.
“It is a legitimate action by the Chinese government to refine its export control system in accordance with laws and regulations,” he said. “It aims to better defend world peace and regional stability and to fulfill non-proliferation and other international obligations.”
China remains one of the world’s largest suppliers of rare earth minerals, which are vital components in advanced manufacturing, green technology, and defense industries. Beijing’s export control adjustments were part of its broader policy to strengthen oversight and maintain sustainable resource management.
By clarifying that these measures are unrelated to Pakistan, China seeks to reaffirm confidence in its bilateral trade relations with Islamabad.
Reiterating the depth of the China-Pakistan relationship, Lin Jian concluded his remarks by describing the two nations as “all-weather strategic cooperative partners.”
“Our iron-clad friendship has stood the test of time,” he said.
Over the years, both countries have stood by each other in political, security, and economic spheres. From military collaboration to infrastructure development, the strategic bond has evolved into one of the strongest bilateral partnerships in Asia.
The Chinese reaffirmation dispels recent rumors and reinforces the message that Pakistan’s limited cooperation with the US in the mining sector does not compromise its enduring alliance with Beijing.
Observers believe this clarification will help stabilize investor confidence and counter misinformation campaigns targeting Sino-Pak cooperation.
