Xi Meets Thai PM & Sultan of Brunei - China-Pakistan Joint Statement
Here are the reports on articles that I found worth reading in the People’s Daily on Friday, February 7, 2025.
Page 1: The lead reports today are about Xi Jinping’s meetings with the Sultan of Brunei and Thailand’s Prime Minister. First, the report on Xi’s meeting with Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah says:
Xi said that “the two countries have also maintained good coordination in international and regional affairs, set an example of relationship between countries of different sizes, which features equality and mutual benefit, and made positive contributions to regional peace, stability, development and prosperity…the joint building of a China-Brunei community with a shared future conforms to the trend of the times, serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples, and opens a new chapter in bilateral relations. Both sides should seize the opportunity, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and strategic coordination, respect each other and maintain a candid sense of mutual trust and always be good neighbors looking across the sea at each other, good friends who trust each other, and good partners in common development.” 建交30多年来，双方不断深化政治互信，积极对接发展战略，各领域务实合作取得丰硕成果，在国际和地区事务中保持良好配合，树立了大小国家平等相待、互利共赢的典范，也为地区和平稳定和发展繁荣作出了积极贡献。中国和文莱共建命运共同体，顺应时代发展大势，符合两国和两国人民根本利益，开启了两国关系崭新篇章。双方要乘势而上，深化互利合作和战略协同，彼此尊重、坦诚互信，永远做隔海相望的好邻居、相互信赖的好朋友、共同发展的好伙伴.
Xinhua English captures the next bit well:
“Xi said the two countries should enhance the synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Brunei’s Wawasan 2035, and advance the two flagship projects of the Guangxi-Brunei Economic Corridor and the Hengyi Petrochemical project. Xi said China is willing to encourage more Chinese businesses to invest in Brunei, support Brunei's development of the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and new energy industries, and help the country to achieve economic diversification. He said China supports hybrid rice research cooperation between the two countries and hopes that Brunei will better use platforms such as the China International Import Expo and the China-ASEAN Expo to expand exports of quality agricultural and fishery products to China. Xi also underlined the need for the two countries to deepen exchanges and cooperation in fields such as education, culture, tourism and sports. China and Brunei should jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, safeguard international fairness and justice, and play a positive role in promoting global and regional peace and stability.”
Hassanal praised China for its “remarkable achievement” of poverty alleviation under Xi’s leadership. He reportedly added: “China has put forward three major global initiatives, played a key role in world peace, stability and development, and has demonstrated the responsibility of a responsible major country. Brunei and China have always respected and trusted each other; the relationship between the two countries has continued to develop, and they are moving hand in hand towards a community of shared future”. Brunei firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and will “deepen cooperation in trade, agriculture, fisheries, energy and other fields, and promote cultural exchanges. At present, the international community is facing new complex situations and challenges. Brunei is willing to strengthen cooperation with China, adhere to multilateralism and free trade, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.” 哈桑纳尔向习近平主席和中国人民致以蛇年新春祝福。哈桑纳尔表示，在习近平主席领导下，中国保持经济持续快速增长，让数亿人摆脱贫困，这是了不起的成就。中国提出三大全球倡议，为世界和平、稳定、发展发挥关键作用，展现了负责任大国担当。文莱和中国始终相互尊重、相互信任，两国关系持续发展，携手迈向文中命运共同体。感谢中方支持文莱经济多元化战略，两国合作使文莱人民受益。文方坚定奉行一个中国政策，愿同中方巩固战略合作伙伴关系，为两国人民带来更多福祉。文方愿与中方加强政治互信，深化贸易、农业、渔业、能源等领域合作，促进人文交流。当前，国际社会面临新的复杂局面和挑战，文方愿同中方加强合作，坚持多边主义和自由贸易，维护发展中国家共同利益.
The two sides issued a joint statement and signed MoUs on judicial cooperation, Belt and Road cooperation, and cooperation in fields such as economy, trade and media.
The joint statement (English version) is published on Page 2. Key excerpts:
China will continue to firmly support Brunei Darussalam in pursuing a development path suited to its own national conditions. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758. Brunei Darussalam reiterated its continued adherence to the One-China Policy and recognizes that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China. Brunei Darussalam further supports the peaceful development of Cross-Strait relations and the reunification of China.
Both sides will further synergize development strategies and deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, by strengthening economic partnerships, including through the Brunei-Guangxi Economic Corridor and promoting quality foreign direct investments (FDI) in key sectors such as food, downstream oil and gas, tourism, services and ICT.
Both sides are pleased with the progress of Hengyi Industries Sdn Bhd, including the successful completion of Phase 1, and will guide the enterprise in the commencement of the Phase 2 project, as early as possible, on a commercial basis and in accordance with market-oriented approaches. Brunei Darussalam welcomed China’s interest in exploring investment opportunities in power, utilities, clean technologies and supporting infrastructure within the Pulau Muara Besar (PMB) Industrial Park. In this regard, both sides also welcomed the renewal of the Bilateral Cooperation Plan on Jointly Promoting Cooperation within the Framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative signed between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Brunei Darussalam towards seizing economic opportunities in realization of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Brunei Darussalam’s Wawasan 2035. China acknowledged Brunei Darussalam’s strategic importance and recognized the success of the Muara Port Company Sdn Bhd, a collaboration project with Beibu Gulf, that potentially will contribute to the development of Brunei Darussalam as a regional hub for logistics, shipment, aviation, and overall connectivity. Both sides anticipate the completion of the Muara Container Terminal (MCT) expansion project will enhance Brunei Darussalam’s competitiveness as a gateway to the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) through the development of a Port Trade Zone, additional cargo handling and logistics capabilities to support the growth of other industries in Brunei Darussalam.
They also agreed to cooperate in the development of resources in mutually agreed areas, on a without prejudice basis to legal positions of the respective countries under international law, including 1982 UNCLOS.
Both sides acknowledged the importance of the Joint Defence Working Committee (JDWC) as a platform to enhance exchanges and cooperation in joint exercises and training, personnel training, international peacekeeping, and collaboration between institutions and think tanks. These efforts are pragmatic and complement the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) mechanism, aimed at consolidating strategic mutual trust and safeguarding regional and international peace and stability. Both sides affirmed their strong commitment to combatting transnational crimes, and upholding the rule of law, and agreed to continue enhancing consultations in the regional and international mechanisms as well as explore exchanges and cooperation including mutual legal assistance, extradition and training in prosecution.
Both sides spoke positively of the China-ASEAN relations, and will seek to advance the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and forge a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future. They reaffirmed their joint commitment to work together in implementing the Joint Statement of the China-ASEAN Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations towards peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development. Brunei Darussalam welcomed China’s continued commitment to support ASEAN Centrality and the bloc’s strategic autonomy, in the evolving regional architecture and China’s positive participation in and contribution to the various ASEAN-led processes including ASEAN Plus Three (APT), the East Asia Summit (EAS), and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
Both sides underscored the importance of preserving and maintaining peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region, underpinned by respect for sovereignty and adherence to international order based on international law. They reiterated their commitment to preserving the Southeast Asian region as a nuclear weapon-free zone and free of all other weapons of mass destruction as enshrined in the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone (SEANWFZ Treaty) to contribute to regional peace and stability. Both sides agreed to jointly uphold multilateralism and open regionalism, ensure high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and continue to work towards the signing of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) 3.0 Upgrade Protocol and its implementation. Brunei Darussalam supports China’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and Hong Kong’s accession to RCEP.
Both sides emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and friendly consultations between China and ASEAN in safeguarding peace, stability, and security in the South China Sea. In this regard, they reaffirmed their commitment towards the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and finalizing an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, in accordance with international law, including 1982 UNCLOS.
Both sides believed that the world is undergoing profound changes and has entered a new period of uncertainty and transformation. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to upholding multilateralism and the need to firmly stand together, strengthen solidarity and coordination, jointly address various global challenges, and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world, and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. Brunei Darussalam acknowledged China’s commitment as a global leader and responsible member of the international community, including through the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind put forward by President Xi Jinping. Both sides agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation under various multilateral frameworks. They will uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms governing international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Both sides will also continue to safeguard international fairness and justice, stand for international unity and cooperation, and promote the common values of mutual respect, peace, development, equality, justice, democracy and freedom of humanity.
Both sides welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Gaza that came into effect on 19 January 2025. They viewed the deal as a critical step but noted that the root causes to ending decades of occupation need to be addressed to reach a just and lasting solution. China and Brunei Darussalam remain firmly committed to the two-state solution, towards achieving an independent State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as well as to support the admission of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations.
Next, the report on Xi’s meeting with Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra has Xi talking about the concept of China and Thailand being one family 中泰一家亲, with the two countries marking 50 years since the establishment of ties. Xinhua reports:
“In the face of profound changes unseen in a century, China and Thailand should consolidate strategic mutual trust, firmly support each other, and respond to uncertainties in the external environment with the stability and certainty of China-Thailand relations, Xi said. China is ready to work with Thailand to align development strategies, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, implement well flagship projects such as the China-Thailand Railway, and promote the vision of interconnected development of China, Laos and Thailand to achieve more fruitful outcomes as soon as possible, he said. Xi called for concerted efforts to deepen cooperation in emerging industries such as the digital economy and new energy vehicles, and build more stable and smooth industrial and supply chains. Noting that China appreciates Thailand's effective measures against online gambling and telecom fraud, Xi said that both sides should continue to strengthen law enforcement, security and judicial cooperation to safeguard the safety of people's lives and property as well as the orderly exchanges and cooperation among regional countries. Xi called on both sides to launch a variety of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and increase the mutual understanding and amity between the two peoples. China supports Thailand’s role as co-chair of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation and congratulates Thailand on becoming a BRICS partner country, Xi added. China stands ready to work closely with Thailand to firmly defend the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order based on international law, enhance unity and cooperation in the Global South, safeguard world peace and promote common development, he said.”
Paetongtarn reportedly said that “Thailand firmly adheres to the one-China policy and looks forward to working with China to strengthen high-level exchanges, close cooperation in areas such as connectivity, economy, trade, and agriculture, promote cultural exchanges and people-to-people exchanges … Thailand is willing to strengthen law enforcement cooperation with China and other neighboring countries, and take resolute and effective measures to combat cross-border crimes such as online gambling and fraud. China has always played the role of a responsible major country in international affairs and firmly safeguarded the interests of developing countries. Thailand is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China to jointly respond to global challenges.” 泰方坚定奉行一个中国政策，期待同中方一道，加强高层交往，密切互联互通、经贸、农业等领域合作，促进人文交流、民心相通，开启共享和平、共同繁荣的下一个50年，造福子孙后代。泰方愿同中方和其他邻国加强执法合作，采取坚决有效措施，打击网赌电诈等跨境犯罪。中国在国际事务中始终发挥负责任大国作用，坚定维护发展中国家利益，泰方愿同中方加强协调配合，共同应对全球性挑战.
Also on the front page is a report confirming that Xi will attend the opening ceremony of the Asian Winter Games in Harbin.
Meanwhile, there is a consolidated report on Li Qiang meeting Pakistan President Zardari and Sultan of Brunei Hassanal. Li told Zardari that:
“China is ready to forge synergy between the development strategies of the two countries, jointly promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, advance the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, push forward construction of major projects concerning roads, railways and ports in an orderly manner, deepen cooperation in terms of agriculture, mining, new energy information technology and artificial intelligence, and other fields to better promote the common development of the two countries. The two sides should expand sub-national cooperation and cultural exchanges such as youth, media, and think tanks, continue to promote cooperation in social and livelihood-related fields, such as medical care, education, poverty alleviation, and disaster relief, and enhance the sense of participation and gain of the people of the two countries in the friendly cooperation between China and Pakistan. China is willing to further deepen security cooperation with Pakistan and hopes that Pakistan can earnestly guarantee the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan. At present, the once-in-a-century changes taking place in the world are accelerating. China is willing to continue to support each other and strengthen coordination with Pakistan at multilateral forums in order to safeguard their respective sovereignty, security and development interests.” 李强指出，中方愿同巴方进一步加强发展战略对接，高质量共建“一带一路”，努力打造中巴经济走廊“升级版”，有序推进公路、铁路、港口等重大项目建设，深化农业、矿业、新能源、信息技术、人工智能等领域合作，更好促进两国共同发展。双方要扩大地方合作和青年、媒体、智库等人文交流，持续推进医疗、教育、扶贫、救灾等社会民生领域合作，增强两国民众对中巴友好合作的参与感、获得感。中方愿同巴方进一步深化安全合作，希望巴方切实保障在巴中国人员、项目和机构安全。当前世界百年变局加速演进，中方愿同巴方在多边领域继续相互支持、加强协调，维护好各自主权、安全、发展利益.
Li told Hassanal that China wants to accelerate work on key projects, strengthen cooperation in the fields of information industry, scientific and technological innovation, green development, and agriculture. He said that China is willing to import more high-quality agricultural and aquatic products from Brunei. The two sides should strengthen exchanges and cooperation in culture, tourism, education, youth, sports, and at sub-national levels. China firmly supports ASEAN in strengthening unity and strategic autonomy, and is willing to work with ASEAN countries including Brunei to promote the building of a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future. 李强指出，中方愿同文方不断提升经贸合作水平，以续签共建“一带一路”合作规划为契机，加快重点项目建设，加强信息产业、科技创新、绿色发展、农业等领域合作，共同培育经济新动能。中方愿进口文方更多优质农水产品，鼓励有条件的中国企业赴文莱投资，希望文方为中方企业提供更多支持便利。双方要加强文旅、教育、青年、体育、地方等交流合作，持续增进国民相知相亲。中方坚定支持东盟加强团结和战略自主，愿同包括文莱在内的东盟各国一道，推动构建更为紧密的中国—东盟命运共同体.
There’s also a consolidated report on Zhao Leji meeting Hassanal and Thai PM Shinawatra. With the former, Zhao stressed the need to “deepen exchanges of experience in legislation, supervision and governance”. With Shinawatra, he talked about the need for “legislative exchanges and cooperation on improving people’s livelihood, social governance, and combating cross-border crimes.”
Page 2: The China-Pakistan joint statement (English text) is published on the page. Key excerpts:
The two sides noted that while the transformation not seen in a century is accelerating, the China-Pakistan relationship remains of strategic significance, and any attempt to disrupt or undermine it is bound to fail. The Chinese side reiterated that the China-Pakistan relationship is a priority in its foreign relations and of special significance in China’s foreign policy. The Pakistani side underscored that the Pakistan-China relationship is the cornerstone of its foreign policy. The two sides will further deepen high-level political mutual trust, high-level practical cooperation, high-level security cooperation and high-level international coordination, accelerate efforts to build an even closer China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era, and contribute greater strength to common prosperity of the two countries and to peace and development of the region. The Pakistani side highly commended and expressed strong support for the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative put forth by President Xi Jinping. The two sides agreed to step up international cooperation in this regard to jointly tackle global challenges and foster a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind.
The two sides reaffirmed their unyielding support for each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns. The two sides stressed that the authority of the U.N. General Assembly Resolution 2758 brooks no question or challenge. The Pakistani side reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China principle. It is of the view that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China and the Taiwan question is the core of China’s core interests. It firmly supports all efforts made by China to achieve national reunification and resolutely opposes all forms of ‘Taiwan independence’. Pakistan will also firmly support China on issues related to Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea. The Chinese side reiterated its firm support for Pakistan in defending its national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and its support for Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard national security, stability, development and prosperity.
The Pakistani side reiterated its strongest condemnation of the terrorist attacks in Pakistan involving Chinese personnel. It reaffirmed that ensuring the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan is the foremost responsibility of Pakistani government as China’s All-weather Strategic Cooperative partner and the host country. The Chinese nationals in Pakistan have made important contributions to Pakistan’s national construction and the improvement of people’s livelihoods and serve as a strong force helping boost Pakistan’s development, progress and prosperity. The Pakistani side expressed its sincere gratitude to the leadership and the people of China for their longstanding and invaluable support to Pakistan. The two sides reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with a zero-tolerance attitude, and agreed to further strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation on counter terrorism. The Pakistani side will continue to make all efforts to investigate into the terrorist attacks involving Chinese personnel and bring the perpetrators to justice. It will also further increase input into security, and take targeted and enhanced measures to effectively ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, and create a safe environment for cooperation between the two countries. The Chinese side spoke highly of Pakistan’s unremitting efforts and tremendous sacrifices in combating terrorism, and expressed its willingness to provide necessary support for Pakistan’s counter terrorism capacity building.
On CPEC, the following points are noteworthy, and indicative of slow movement forward:
the 14th JCC meeting will be held “as early as possible at a mutually agreed date”
“efforts will be made to advance the upgradation of ML-1 in a phased and secure manner”
On the Karakoram Highway (Raikot-Thakot) realignment project, they “agreed to reach an early consensus on its implementation and financing.”
China “encourages Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan’s qualified Special Economic Zones based on market and business principles”
Pakistan wants “Chinese companies to engage in investment and cooperation in Pakistan’s mining industry, and encourage relevant departments of both countries to carry out terrestrial and marine geological survey cooperation. The Pakistani side welcomes Chinese companies’ participation in offshore oil and gas explorations.”
They will “further strengthen agricultural cooperation and select next batch of projects under the CPEC framework”
They agreed to talk about “improving efficiency and management of the power system in Pakistan”.
“The Pakistani side reiterated its high appreciation for China’s valuable support for the fiscal and financial stability of Pakistan. Both sides reaffirmed their desire to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the financial and banking sectors, and support each other within regional and international multilateral financial platforms.”
The next bit talks about cooperation in health, education, livelihood projects, academia, and space. While you are at it, do check out this WSJ report on Pakistan’s energy sector mismanagement and the role that Beijing has played. It’s atrocious what’s happening in Pakistan. A couple of deals that have been identified from the visit are MoUs in renewable energy, cement and fertilizer manufacturing sectors and an MoU for Pakistan’s first lunar rover to be part of China’s Chang’E 8 mission in 2028.
Back to the joint statement:
“The two sides underscored that strategic defence and security cooperation between China and Pakistan plays an irreplaceable and critical role in maintaining peace, stability and strategic balance in the region. The two sides expressed satisfaction that the two militaries have long enjoyed high-level of mutual trust, high-level cooperation, and high-level coordination. The two sides agreed to maintain the momentum of high-level military-to-military visits and exchanges, and to continuously elevate cooperation in areas of joint training, exercises and military technology. The two sides believe that a peaceful and prosperous South Asia is in the common interest of all parties and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in South Asia and the need for resolution of all outstanding disputes, and their opposition to any unilateral action. The Pakistani side briefed the Chinese side on the latest developments in the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The Chinese side reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is left over from history and should be properly and peacefully resolved in accordance with the U.N. Charter, relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.
The two sides stressed that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations and the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter and to true multilateralism. The two countries continue to advocate for dialogue over confrontation, partnerships over alliances and multilateralism over unilateralism and protectionism. They expressed satisfaction with their close cooperation at the U.N. and other multilateral fora, and expressed resolution to further deepen coordination on multilateral issues to uphold common interests of developing countries and international equity and justice. The two sides agreed to maintain close communication and coordination on the issue of Afghanistan, and play a constructive role in helping Afghanistan achieve stable development and integrate into the international community. The two sides reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations with a zero-tolerance attitude. They called on the Interim Afghan Government to take visible and verifiable actions to dismantle and eliminate all terrorist groups based in Afghanistan which continue to pose a serious threat to regional and global security, and to prevent the use of Afghan territory against other countries.
The two sides welcome the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, and hope that the agreement will be implemented effectively, leading to a full and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The two sides reaffirmed their support for the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including their right to establish an independent State of Palestine.