Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will conclude a 3-day visit to Pakistan today marking 10 years of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). – Photo: IStock Photo

China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng will conclude his three-day visit to Pakistan today.

He Lifeng met with Pakistan’s president and prime minister and attended celebrations for the 10-year anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In honor of the anniversary and He’s visit, schools, private companies and banks were shut on Monday and Tuesday.

The CPEC sought to connect China’s Xinjiang Region with the Arabian Sea in Pakistan’s south to spur trade between the two nations. The CPEC also became a major part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. He is currently in charge of China’s economic and monetary policy and has also previously played a major role in China’s infrastructure development projects in Pakistan.

Pakistan is a major economic and political ally of China and has repeatedly confirmed its support for China’s core interests. In turn, China has been a crucial provider of financial support to Pakistan. Beijing has also sought to strengthen security ties with Pakistan, but Islamabad remains wary of picking sides between Beijing and Washington and will likely want to continue to walk a fine line on geopolitical matters.