From Pakistan to Zambia, how does China pick its ‘ironclad’ friends?

Beijing shares historical and political ties with a dozen or so nations across Asia and Africa that ‘respect each other’s core interests’, observers say

With the ‘ironclad’ term surfacing repeatedly in the week of the CCP’s centenary, analysts have weighed in on its origins and meaning

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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on October 9, 2019. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 9:00pm, 10 Jul 2021Updated: 10:16pm, 10 Jul 2021

In the English versions of China’s diplomatic statements, few words speak as highly of Beijing’s close ties with certain countries as “ironclad”.

Diplomats have frequently used the term to describe the “exceptional” relationship between China and Pakistan, which has given Beijing a strategic foothold into South Asia and provided Pakistan with a counterweight to its arch-rival India.

When Foreign Minister Wang Yi met his Serbian counterpart Nikola Selakovic at the Chinese city of Guiyang in May, he hailed the country at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe as China’s “ironclad” friend in Europe.

Last week, during the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the term was used to describe Beijing’s ties with Cambodia and other nations, casting the spotlight on its origins.

Analysts said historical relations and strong political ties are major considerations, but the term is often used on countries whom China may or may not share strategic ties with but is nonetheless keen to maintain as good friends and partners.

Countries deemed to have an “ironclad” relationship with China would also not pose threats to Beijing’s interests, they said.

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