A contestant sings during a Chinese song competition in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan on May 8, 2026. (Photos: Zhao Yipu/People's Daily)

Islamabad (People's Daily) - Pakistan and China marked 75 years of diplomatic relations with the Water Cube Cup Chinese song competition on Friday, May 8, in Islamabad, Pakistan.

Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Pakistan's federal minister for investment and chairman of the Board of Investment, attended as chief guest. Chinese Embassy officials, representatives from the Chinese Cultural Center and Confucius Institutes, artists and students also took part.

Pakistan's Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh speaks during the finals of a Chinese song competition in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan on May 8, 2026.

Sheikh called the diplomatic ties a "magnificent symbol" of the deep, longstanding friendship between the two countries. He stressed the importance of arts and culture, saying such events should be held regularly to connect hearts across borders.

Chen Peng, cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, said 2026 marks an important year for deepening the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

Chen Peng, cultural counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, speaks at the ceremony in Islamabad, Pakistan, on May 8, 2026.

The Pakistan National Council of the Arts venue was packed as contestants from China and Pakistan performed Chinese songs, showcasing youthful passion and the warmth of cultural exchange.