Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari told students and faculty at Fudan University that the China-Pakistan relationship is a “generation-to-generation” bond, rooted in history and nurtured by successive leaders of his family. “Over 2,000 years ago, our histories intertwined along the fabled Silk Road,” Bilawal said in an exclusive session titled “Pak-China Friendship: Past, Present and Future, " according to a report carried by Gwadar Pro on Tuesday.

“The areas that are now part of Pakistan served as a vital artery of the ancient Silk Road, connecting China with the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. This was not just a trade route but a conduit of culture, laying the foundations of what we now celebrate as our iron brotherhood.”

Tracing the diplomatic legacy, Bilawal recalled that his grandfather, former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, “was the last foreign dignitary to be received by President Mao, and he laid the foundations of the China-Pakistan relationship.” His mother, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, “advocated passionately—both domestically and internationally—for the Pakistan-China relationship,” while his father, President Asif Ali Zardari, “laid the foundations for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor,” including the transfer of Gwadar Port and the signing of CPEC in 2013.

“I, while serving my country as the foreign minister of Pakistan, engaged closely with China, particularly with my counterpart Wang Yi,” Bilawal said. “So I believe, generation after generation, we have carried this relationship forward.” Bilawal emphasized that Pakistan was among the first nations to recognize the People’s Republic of China. “We are particularly proud that while today everybody wants to be friends with China, we sought friendship with China even when no one else did,” he said.

“We have a unique relationship, not merely a bond of opportunity, not just aligning with the rising sun.” He also urged greater youth engagement in shaping the future of bilateral ties. “I am here to engage with you, to speak with you, and to encourage you to begin playing your role in taking this relationship to the next generation and the next level,” he said.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China