CPSC inaugurated the first-ever ‘China Corner’ at the ISSI Library

Islamabad: The China Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) inaugurated the “China Corner” at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) Library in a ceremony attended by prominent dignitaries, diplomats, and members of academia. Ambassador Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, graced the event as the Chief Guest. Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, and Mr. Shi Yuanqiang, Deputy Head of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, were present as Guests of Honour. The gathering also included members of the diplomatic community, bureaucrats, media professionals, and civil society representatives.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General ISSI, highlighted the importance of the initiative in fostering academic and policy-focused engagement with China. He noted that the ‘China Corner’ features an extensive collection of over 600 physical and 5,000 electronic resources, including books, journals, and monographs, providing a comprehensive platform for scholars to explore China’s governance, economy, and diplomatic strategies. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the broader vision of strengthening the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Pakistan and China, which spans political, economic, cultural, and security domains, with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a flagship project of shared development.

Ambassador Khalil Hashmi commended the establishment of the ‘China Corner’ as a vital step in deepening bilateral relations and fostering intellectual collaboration. He described the Pakistan-China partnership as a unique and comprehensive model based on mutual trust, respect, and shared aspirations. He encouraged students, researchers, and policymakers to utilize this platform to generate new ideas and support the enduring partnership.

Speaking on behalf of the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Shi Yuanqiang praised ISSI’s efforts to promote mutual understanding and shared knowledge. He reaffirmed China’s commitment to its “iron-clad” friendship with Pakistan and expressed the Embassy’s pride in contributing books and multimedia resources to the ‘China Corner.’ He also emphasized that the bilateral ties, rooted in trust and cooperation, stand as a pillar of stability in the region and a testament to the strong resolve of both nations to work together.

Chief Guest Ambassador Syed Tariq Fatemi reflected on the historical strength of Pakistan-China relations, which have thrived despite differences in governance systems and philosophies. He noted Pakistan’s early recognition of China and its pivotal role in advocating for China’s membership in the United Nations. Ambassador Fatemi underlined the transformational impact of CPEC as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), emphasizing that the project not only strengthens the bilateral partnership but also contributes to regional connectivity and prosperity.

Earlier, Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director of CPSC, welcomed the participants and elaborated on the ‘China Corner’s’ potential as a knowledge repository. He stated that the initiative embodies a commitment to understanding China’s development narrative and leveraging this understanding to foster progress and collaboration between the two nations.

The ceremony concluded with a collective affirmation of the commitment to furthering Pakistan-China relations. The establishment of the ‘China Corner’ stands as a testament to the shared vision of enhanced academic collaboration and intellectual exchange, reinforcing the historic bond between the two nations.