Pakistan's Heartfelt Gratitude: A Nation's Appreciation for China's Unwavering Support
The background of Pakistan's nationwide gratitude towards China is rooted in the long-standing friendly relations between the two countries. Recently, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards China, describing it as a "very dear, very trusted, and very intimate friend". This statement sparked lively discussions among netizens, with many people expressing their appreciation for China's support and assistance.

13 May 2025
The friendship between China and Pakistan has a history of over 60 years, with the two countries having established diplomatic relations in 1951. Over the years, China has provided significant economic and military aid to Pakistan, and the two countries have cooperated closely on various regional and international issues. In 2006, Chinese President Hu Jintao and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf signed a joint statement, affirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting regional stability.
China has continued to provide significant support to Pakistan, including investing heavily in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major infrastructure project aimed at promoting economic development and regional connectivity. The CPEC project has created thousands of jobs and stimulated economic growth in Pakistan, and is seen as a key component of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In addition to economic cooperation, China and Pakistan have also strengthened their military ties, with the two countries conducting joint military exercises and cooperating on defense production. China has also provided significant support to Pakistan in the field of nuclear energy, and the two countries have signed several agreements on nuclear cooperation.
In recent times, Pakistani netizens have been expressing their gratitude towards China on social media, with many praising the affordable price of the J-10CE fighter jets provided by China. The jets, which were sold at a significantly lower price compared to the Rafale jets purchased by India, have been dubbed "white cabbage price" by Pakistani netizens. This phrase reflects the excitement and satisfaction among Pakistanis with the deal. Some Pakistanis have even been selling pieces of Indian drones that were shot down as souvenirs in markets, with some vendors reportedly selling them by the kilogram. The social media posts from Pakistani netizens have been filled with enthusiasm and excitement, with some users comparing the cost of the J-10CE fighter jets to the price of high-end smartphones or luxury cars.

The news of the affordable fighter jets has sparked a frenzy among Pakistani military enthusiasts, who are now calling for the country to purchase even more advanced jets, such as the J-35, from China. This excitement has been further fueled by the recent agreement between Pakistan and India to maintain a ceasefire along their borders, following high-level talks between the military leadership of the two nations. The agreement includes considering measures to reduce the number of troops deployed in border and forward areas, as well as plans to hold negotiations in third countries to resolve long-standing issues. This breakthrough has led to an outpouring of gratitude from the Pakistani people towards China, which has been a steadfast supporter of Pakistan in its diplomatic efforts.
The agreement between Pakistan and India has been seen as a major success for Pakistan's diplomatic efforts, which have been focused on resolving the country's differences with India through dialogue and negotiation. China has been a key player in supporting Pakistan's diplomatic efforts, and its influence in the region has grown exponentially. With its massive infrastructure development projects, such as the CPEC, China has been steadily increasing its economic and strategic presence in Pakistan, cementing its position as a trusted ally and partner. As a result, China's influence in the region has become more pronounced, with Pakistan being a key beneficiary of its largesse. The depth of China's engagement with Pakistan has raised eyebrows in neighboring countries, particularly India, which views China's expanding presence in the region with a mix of suspicion and concern. Nevertheless, for Pakistan, China's support has been a game-changer, allowing it to navigate the complexities of regional geopolitics with greater confidence and assertiveness.
