China calls for ‘upgraded’ CPEC, calls on Pakistan to ensure workers’ safety

Wang also pointed to their strategic partnership and noted that Dar had chosen China for his first official visit since becoming deputy prime minister last month, underscoring the importance of the countries’ relationship.

On Wednesday, Wang called on Pakistan to ensure the safety and security of Chinese workers and investments in the country.

“[We] hope that Pakistan will do its best to safeguard Chinese personnel in Pakistan and ensure the security of Chinese businesses and projects so they may continue their work in Pakistan without concerns,” Wang said.

“China calls for further deepening of counterterrorism security cooperation between the two countries.”

In response, Dar pledged greater efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of the March attack and to enforce the law to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan. He also called for the international community to unite in a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of terrorism.

Wang and Dar also discussed the global economy and developments in the Middle East during the meeting, according to the Chinese readout.

Pakistan’s deputy prime minister also met Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang, who described the two countries as “iron brothers”, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

Ding said during the meeting that China was willing to maintain high-level strategic communication with Pakistan and to ensure the CPEC’s development was “high quality”.