Independent Report
Islamabad, 15 December 2025
The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a high-level Bilateral Dialogue with China’s premier think-tank, the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), focusing on “Strengthening Think Tank and Academic Exchanges Between China and Pakistan and Deepening the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.”
The Chinese delegation included Prof. Chen Dongxiao, President, SIIS; Prof. Liu Zongyi, Senior Research Fellow and Director, Centre for South Asia Studies, SIIS; Dr. Tan Chenyi; Dr. Zhang Xiaoyin; and Mr. Shi Yuanqiang, Deputy Head of Mission, Chinese Embassy in Islamabad. Pakistani speakers included Ambassador Masood Khalid, Ambassador Zamir Akram, and Ambassador Asif Durrani. Mr. Ishtiak Akil, DG (China) at the Foreign Office, also attended.
The dialogue covered recent developments in China–Pakistan relations, U.S. global engagement, regional dynamics, and the evolving situation in Afghanistan.
In his opening remarks, ISSI DG Ambassador Sohail Mahmood emphasized the enduring strength of the Pakistan–China strategic partnership, calling it a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and a stabilizing force for regional peace and prosperity. He highlighted cooperation through CPEC, the Belt and Road Initiative, and China’s global development and governance initiatives, stressing that think-tank collaboration would further strengthen bilateral ties as both nations approach the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Prof. Chen Dongxiao highlighted Pakistan as a trusted strategic partner, stressing the importance of academic and people-to-people cooperation to enhance regional stability and a cooperative global order.
Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director, CPSC, delivered introductory remarks and moderated sessions, underscoring the long-term value of ISSI–SIIS collaboration.
The session concluded with closing remarks by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman, Board of Governors, ISSI, who appreciated the SIIS delegation’s contributions and reaffirmed that sustained think-tank engagement would strengthen Pakistan–China relations and promote peace and regional cooperation.
