The first assembly of the Pakistan-China Boundary Joint Commission (BJC) took place in Islamabad, wrapping up on Thursday with both nations reaffirming their shared understanding and outlining a framework for future collaboration.
As reported by the Foreign Office (FO), the event occurred on September 16 and 17, marking the official initiation of the commission. This BJC was established under the 2013 China-Pakistan Agreement concerning the Boundary Management System.
Significance of the BJC
The Foreign Office emphasized that the formation of this commission is an essential step towards further solidifying the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. It represents a commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and managing border affairs more effectively.
During the inaugural discussions, a variety of topics were addressed, including strategies for border management, coordination across borders, facilitation of goods and people movement, joint surveys, and fostering people-to-people connections.
Future Cooperation and Meetings
The meeting concluded with the signing of official minutes that reinforced the consensus between the two sides and established a framework for future engagements under the commission. Both nations agreed to convene the next meeting in China at a mutually agreeable date.
Leading the Pakistani delegation was Bilal Mahmood Chaudhary, the Director General (China) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Chinese side was represented by Li Ya, the Deputy Director General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Broader Context of the Commission
Participation included representatives from various ministries such as foreign affairs, defense, interior, commerce, and communications, alongside officials from customs and boundary management authorities. The commission’s foundation stems from the 2013 Agreement on the Boundary Management System, which was signed during former Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to Islamabad.
This agreement, specifically Article 45, allows for the establishment of the joint commission tasked with supervising the implementation of border management protocols. It aims to create a structured approach to handle practical border-related issues, including boundary maintenance, inspections, and joint surveys.
Moreover, the activation of this commission will facilitate ongoing coordination between the two nations along their shared border, crucial for trade and connectivity, particularly through the Khunjerab crossing and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
