Beijing, March 23 Chinese President Xi Jinping praised Pakistan on Monday for "safeguarding" its sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying that Beijing is "sincerely pleased" with Islamabad's social development achievements.
Xi made the remarks in a message to his counterpart Asif Ali Zardari on Pakistan Day.
For a long time, the government and people of Pakistan have steadfastly safeguarded national sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national dignity, Xi said.
He added that they have also overcome various risks and challenges, advanced national development, and made contributions to regional peace, stability, and development.
"As a close friend, China is sincerely pleased with Pakistan's development achievements," Xi said, adding that Beijing attaches "great importance" to the development of bilateral ties.
He said that this year marks the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan and the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan.
Xi expressed hope that both sides will carry forward their traditional friendship, enhance strategic communication and alignment of development strategies, and move forward together on their respective paths to modernization.
China stands ready to work to accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era and bring greater benefits to both peoples, he said.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi shared similar messages with their counterparts Shehbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar, official media here reported.
The Chinese leader's praise for Pakistan comes in the backdrop of reports of fissures between the long-standing allies. Islamabad moved closer to Washington after President Donald Trump assumed a second term, with Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir warming up to him, raising eyebrows in Beijing.
China was also very critical of Pakistan for not providing adequate security to hundreds of Chinese personnel working on the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the face of attacks from Pakistani militant groups, resulting in several casualties.
China, which is also concerned about the slow pace of CPEC projects, is reportedly pressing Pakistan to allow Chinese security companies to provide security to personnel from China.
However, Pakistan was reluctant to risk adverse political reactions back home to Chinese boots on the ground.
Earlier this year, the two countries agreed to form special protection units, details of which are not known.
Recent reports said Beijing is peeved over Pakistan not heeding its calls to declare a ceasefire and hold direct talks with Afghanistan to calm down the current tensions between the two countries, while Islamabad agreed to halt the fighting during Eid in response to calls from Islamic countries.
Observers say that despite occasional fissures, the two countries will remain close, as their ties are structurally anchored, driven by Pakistan's reliance on China for military equipment, and periodic financial support.