Seven days in China - A diplomatic, journalistic, and intellectual journey

Thanks to the special courtesy of the Chinese Consulate General in Lahore, his excellency Mr. Zhao Shiren, a 12-member delegation comprising academia and media professionals departed for China. I was fortunate to be part of this delegation. Among us were four journalists whose names were recommended by Punjab’s Minister for Information and Culture, Azma Bukhari, to the Chinese Consulate General, for which I am sincerely grateful to her as well. Whereas the delegation comprised eight journalists and four people from academia.

Before departure, I had imagined a leisure-filled trip with sightseeing and entertainment, but the experience turned out to be entirely different and, in many ways, far more enriching.

From Lahore, we travelled via Bangkok and finally, after taking long flights, we reached Beijing, where we were warmly received at the airport by Ms. Shifang and Mr. May from China’s Foreign Office. They personally ensured we had working contact numbers and arranged our accommodation at the Park Plaza Hotel in Beijing. We were later joined by another officer, Mr. Michael.

The first warm expression of Pak-China friendship came from Ambassador Tang, Vice President of the China Public Diplomacy Association, who hosted us for a lavish halal Chinese dinner. This meeting involved in-depth discussions about enhancing economic, cultural, and social ties between the two countries. It was here that I had my first opportunity to observe the exceptional leadership and capabilities of our group leader, VC University of South Asia Mian Imran Masood. His eloquence in highlighting the strength of Pak-China relations and his vision for elevating this bond to a strategic level reflected true statesmanship and wisdom.

Our visit to the Chinese Foreign Ministry was particularly informative. A dialogue focused on South Asian affairs and Pak-China friendship was held with Mr. Chen Wei, head of the South Asia Desk. Key topics included regional security, India and Pakistan tensions, and the balance of power in South Asia.

Mr. Chen Wei extended goodwill remarks regarding Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to China, which was later warmly welcomed. He expressed optimism about Pakistan’s recent development progress and said that bilateral relations are moving in new directions. He mentioned that progress on CPEC Phase 2 is ongoing and that it could be a true game-changer. He also expressed concern over terrorism in Balochistan and condemned foreign interference, emphasising that sustainable peace in South Asia requires India to reconsider its aggressive stance. He regretted that Indian intelligence had its footprints everywhere.

A visit to Beijing’s War Museum introduced us to China’s resistance against Japan during the 1945 war. The museum preserves stories of Japanese atrocities, food shortages, and the bravery of the Chinese people, unforgettable episodes that serve as inspiration for future generations.

We also visited China Daily, the country's largest state-owned media house. To our surprise, despite the digital age, the paper still publishes over 700,000 printed copies daily. The 20-page editions effectively highlight national narratives and journalistic standards. Their staff operates on modern lines, making extensive use of Artificial Intelligence, while also ensuring a professional and inclusive environment for both domestic and foreign employees.

As a journalist, the visit to Peking University’s Pakistan Study Center held special significance. We met with Professor Tong, Professor Tahira, and other scholars. Good news awaited Pakistani students: abundant scholarships are available in Chinese universities. Students simply need to stay in contact with the China Scholarship Council.

Professor Tong expressed concern over the slow progress of CPEC and advised Pakistani political leadership to show unity and seriousness. He identified the lack of economic zones and political instability as major hurdles. Although nine economic zones were promised, none have materialised. He suggested that activating even two zones could create new life in Pakistan’s economy, job market, and industrial sector. He urged Pakistani media to highlight the real reasons behind CPEC delays — saying that merely calling it a “game-changer” is not enough; timely completion is key to economic improvement.

In the Engineering Department at Peking University, we were shown a presentation on a fruit-picking machine developed by students. This not only broadened our knowledge but also demonstrated the impressive technical abilities of Chinese students.

We also visited China Agricultural University, where professors emphasised the importance of agriculture and rural economy in eradicating poverty. Their research projects and practical ideas showed how China is moving toward sustainable development through agricultural innovation.

During our stay in Beijing, we experienced continuous rainfall. While traffic did slow down, sanitation and allied departments performed efficiently. There were no photos of officials or leaders on display, and no staff was visible on the roads, yet the drainage system worked perfectly. Everyone went about their routines without disruption, and no waterlogging was observed anywhere.

We went shopping at Silk Mall, but shopping turned out to be a difficult task. The prices of clothes, shoes, and other items were not consumer-friendly. Surprisingly, most of the items we saw on sale were available at relatively lower prices in Pakistan.

After spending two days in Beijing, one thing became clear: time management is everything and the key to success. Breakfast was at 6:30 AM, lunch at 12:30 PM, and dinner at 6:30 PM sharp and every meal was hosted with immense care and affection.

 (More insights from the China visit will be shared in the next part.)