If there is one thing that surely defines China, it is its ways to get the work done. While Beijing has actively played debt diplomacy with Pakistan over the years, it has now out forth new conditions to move ahead with the expansion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The latest development comes amid Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time since his elevation as Field Marshal. Along with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Munir met Jinping on Tuesday (September 2, 2025), during which the two sides held wide-ranging talks on bilateral and regional cooperation.

Now, as part of their long collaboration on CPEC, Beijing has put forward new conditions for moving ahead with the corridor’s expansion, News18 reported citing top military sources. During high-level meetings in Beijing from September 2 to 4, Beijing conveyed that “new security arrangements” in Pakistan are now a prerequisite.

CPEC Phase-2: What are China’s conditions for Pakistan?

These conditions have to be fulfilled by Islamabad before any progress on Phase-2 of the multibillion-dollar infrastructure and connectivity project, China has reportedly told. If Pakistan guarantees credible security for Chinese citizens and assets, then only would it proceed with CPEC expansion.

China’s demand comes in the view of repeated terror attacks on CPEC-linked projects, and it is now pushing Islamabad to show how it plans to protect workers, investments, and infrastructure. “Chinese authorities have reservations over the rising US influence and interests in Pakistan, and they want clarity before committing deeper into CPEC expansion,” sources told News18.

Why is security a sticking point?

Attacks on any projects related to CPEC have made the safety of Chinese citizens and assets a major concern for Beijing. Chinese officials have asked Islamabad to provide a “robust and credible mechanism” to safeguard workers, projects, and investments. Without such guarantees, sources said, Beijing will not move forward with deeper engagement under CPEC.

How is the US angle influencing talks?

Beyond security, China’s demands also reflect broader geopolitical anxieties. With Washington stepping up its diplomatic and economic footprint in Pakistan, Beijing has expressed unease. Chinese leaders reportedly want clarity from Islamabad on how it will balance ties with the US before committing to long-term CPEC expansion.

What role do Pakistan’s rare earth minerals play?

China is also eyeing Pakistan’s rare earth mineral reserves as part of its strategic calculations. Discussions in Beijing include potential mining rights and future profit-sharing arrangements. Given rising US interest in rare earths, Beijing views control over Pakistan’s mineral sector as crucial for its own industrial and technological security.

Is CPEC expansion into Afghanistan on the horizon?

Sources have further disclosed that Beijing is keen to push CPEC beyond Pakistan’s borders into Afghanistan. For this, China is pressing Islamabad to chart out a security roadmap that would allow projects to operate across the Afghan frontier. Chinese officials argue such an expansion is vital for regional connectivity and long-term economic integration.

Who is leading Pakistan’s delegation?

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir are spearheading Pakistan’s delegation in Beijing. Their agenda includes meetings with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and senior Chinese military officials to finalize discussions on both economic and security frameworks.

Munir is part of Sharif’s delegation, which participated in the SCO summit in Tianjin. They are in the country to attend a grand parade of the Chinese army held on Wednesday (September 3, 2025) to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.

During the meeting, the two sides held wide-ranging talks on bilateral & regional cooperation. Chinese President Xi said that as global changes unseen in a century are unfolding at a quicker pace, a strong China-Pakistan relationship is conducive to safeguarding regional peace and development.

It was further said that China stands ready to work with Pakistan to build upgraded versions of the CPEC and the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, and hopes Pakistan will take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan.

Pakistan PM Sharif hailed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), proposed by Xi at the SCO summit to improve global governance, and stated that Pakistan will give it full support and work actively to implement it.