Political changes in Pakistan will not affect Beijing-Islamabad ties: Zhao Lijian

BEIJING: Political changes in Pakistan would have no impact on relations between Islamabad and Beijing, according to Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry.

The spokesperson stated during a media briefing in Beijing that China will maintain its policy of cordial relations with Pakistan. "We hope that all groups in Pakistan remain together and work together to ensure the country's general stability and progress," he added.

Shehbaz Sharif had declared the day before, in his inaugural speech after being elected Prime Minister, that China had been Pakistan's ally through thick and thin. "No one can take Pakistan and China's friendship away from us," he had remarked, describing the relationship as "long-lasting." Shehbaz also stated that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative will be continued and that CPEC projects will move forward at a faster speed during his term as Prime Minister.