At around 2 a.m. local time on August 14, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a speech at the ceremonial event marking the inauguration of the Islamabad Victory Monument (Yadgar-e-Fatah) and the country's Independence Day —
Speaking about China, Shehbaz Sharif said: "I believe it must be emphasized that our eternal friendship and sincere cooperation with the great friend, China, is unshakable. The friendship between China and Pakistan surpasses the Himalayas. This great friendly nation has stood firmly by Pakistan’s side like an immovable rock in every difficult moment."
Pakistani President Zardari, Army Chief General Asim Munir, senior cabinet officials, military contingents, and diplomatic envoys attended the ceremony.
August 14 is Pakistan’s Independence Day, one of the country’s most significant national celebrations. By choosing to deliver his speech at the inauguration of the Islamabad Victory Monument (Yadgar-e-Fatah), Shehbaz Sharif imbued the occasion with strong national narrative significance. Publicly emphasizing China-Pakistan friendship in such a setting sends a signal far beyond standard diplomatic rhetoric — indicating that the China-Pakistan relationship has been embedded into Pakistan’s very "national identity."
Notably, this is not the first time Shehbaz has used such rhetorical language. During his visit to China in May 2026, he declared, "Deeper than the deepest ocean, higher than the Himalayas, now reaching straight up to the heavens." He also repeatedly used similar expressions when meeting Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong in July. The frequent repetition of the same discourse suggests this is not spontaneous expression but a carefully crafted political signal.
As analysts point out, Pakistan does not seek to choose sides between the U.S. and China; rather, it aims to secure multiple pathways for survival and development. A stable economy and enhanced security in Pakistan would equally benefit China.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1873455941474633/
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