Building a 'cultural exchange bridge' in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor

On December 17th, an article titled "The China Pakistan Economic Corridor Serving as a Cultural Bridge: Exploring China's Influence in Pakistan" was published on the website of the weekly newspaper "Friday Times" in Pakistan. The author is Kazi Shavira Wahid. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor not only involves infrastructure elements, but also serves as an important cultural link between two ancient civilizations. This plan strengthens cultural exchange and mutual understanding between China and Pakistan

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor has shifted from initially focusing on the economy to promoting extensive cultural integration. It has driven multiple projects, including language learning programs, academic exchanges, media collaborations, and more. These efforts mark the establishment of unbreakable social connections, strengthen the long-standing friendship between China and Pakistan, and clear the way for enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding

Since the launch of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor project, the relationship between the two countries has become closer than ever before. The initial business partnership has evolved into broader cooperation. At present, our cultural relationship has significantly strengthened. Pakistan has established a Chinese cultural center, and Chinese companies continue to bring their network strategies, cultural values, and management methods to Pakistan

In Pakistan, Chinese is very popular. In response to the increasing interest in this area, the number of institutions providing Chinese language teaching in Pakistan has significantly increased

Collaborative activities make cultural scenes more vibrant

Due to the establishment of a strong framework to improve academic quality and enhance intercultural understanding, the educational relationship between China and Pakistan has significantly advanced in the context of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor University Alliance, founded by 18 founding members in 2017, has expanded into a vast network

The student mobility between the two countries has significantly increased. Many people have received scholarships to study in China. In order to enhance cross-cultural understanding and improve academic performance, many universities have launched semester exchange programs. Currently, there are approximately 25000 Pakistani students studying in China

Pakistan has now established a comprehensive network of language teaching institutions. Several Confucius Institutes are operating normally. These teaching centers help meet the demand for proficiency in Chinese, and many Pakistanis are learning Chinese

Due to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, the media and entertainment environment in China and Pakistan have undergone significant changes. Both countries are now benefiting from enhanced cultural exchange and understanding, which is carried out through innovative storytelling and artistic expression, far beyond traditional diplomatic relations

In addition, film collaborations have also reached new heights, with projects such as "Iron Girls" becoming milestones in 2023. These projects cultivate closer cultural relationships while providing entertainment to the audience

Both countries hope to expand their partnership from the traditional field to the digital field. The digital communication network now connects Chinese cities with Karachi and other major cities in Pakistan. Due to the establishment of the Digital Silk Road, new opportunities for cooperation have emerged. Beijing is playing a leading role in building global initiatives related to digital technology. A sound digital infrastructure has now become the foundation for enhancing cultural exchanges and content sharing between the two countries

These online programs can establish long-term connections between societies and promote a deeper understanding of different cultural backgrounds. The fact has proven that media communication is a powerful tool for cultural exchange, allowing both countries to better understand their respective traditions and common principles

The prospect of strengthening cultural integration in the future is encouraging. Recent surveys have shown that people are willing to participate in holiday celebrations and cross-cultural activities. Most respondents expressed acceptance of Chinese cultural influence, indicating a positive foundation for future cooperation efforts