Press Release – ISSI holds Bilateral Think Tank Dialogue with Shanghai Institutes of International...

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Press Release - ISSI holds Bilateral Think Tank Dialogue with Shanghai Institutes of International Studies (SIIS)

Press Release
ISSI holds Bilateral Think Tank Dialogue with Shanghai Institutes of International Studies (SIIS)

Islamabad, 15 December 2025: The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted Bilateral Dialogue with China's premier think-tank, the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS). The thematic focus of the Dialogue was "Strengthening Think Tank and Academic Exchanges Between China and Pakistan and Deepening the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership."

The Dialogue was attended by a high-level Chinese delegation comprising Prof. Chen Dongxiao, President, SIIS; Prof. Liu Zongyi, Senior Research Fellow and Director, Centre for South Asia Studies, SIIS; Dr. Tan Chenyi; and Dr. Zhang Xiaoyin, Research Fellows at SIIS, along with Mr. Shi Yuanqiang, Deputy Head of Mission, Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, while the speakers from Pakistani side included Ambassador Masood Khalid, Ambassador Zamir Akram, and Ambassador Asif Durrani, reflecting the depth and diversity of Pakistan's scholarly and policy engagement in advancing China-Pakistan cooperation. Mr. Ishtiak Akil, DG(China) at the Foreign Office, also joined.

The meeting focused on deliberations over recent developments in China-Pakistan relations, the evolving U.S. global engagement, regional dynamics, and developments vis-a-vis Afghanistan.

In the opening remarks, Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood highlighted the enduring strength of the all-weather Pakistan-China strategic cooperative partnership, describing it as a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy and a stabilizing force for regional peace and shared prosperity. He underscored the deep strategic convergence between the two countries, particularly through CPEC, the Belt and Road Initiative, and support for China's Global Development, Security, Civilisation, and Governance Initiatives. He emphasized that Pakistan's close partnership with China complements its broader foreign policy of constructive engagement, inclusive regionalism, and support for a fair, equitable and cooperative multipolar world order. Ambassador Sohail Mahmood reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and regional stability, while safeguarding its sovereignty and core national interests. He expressed confidence that enhanced think-tank collaboration between ISSI and SIIS would generate valuable insights to further strengthen Pakistan-China relations as both countries approach the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Prof. Chen Dongxiao in his remarks said that the Pakistan-China strategic partnership has become even more vital amid profound global change and growing challenges to international order. He reaffirmed China's strong interest in peace, stability, and development in South Asia, describing Pakistan as a trusted strategic partner. He highlighted the importance of deepening people-to-people, academic, and think-tank cooperation as a key pillar of bilateral relations. Prof. Chen expressed confidence that closer collaboration between SIIS and ISSI would make a positive contribution to regional stability and a more cooperative global order.

Earlier, Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director, CPSC, delivered introductory remarks and moderated the working sessions. He highlighted the value of the ISSI-SIIS academic partnership in strengthening long-term intellectual cooperation.

The Dialogue concluded with closing remarks and a vote of thanks by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman, Board of Governors, ISSI, who appreciated the SIIS delegation's valuable contributions and expressed confidence that sustained think-tank engagement would further strengthen Pakistan-China ties and promote shared goals of peace, cooperation, and regional stability.

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