China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Hong Lei. — Photo by AFP

BEIJING: China would continue to develop its strategic partnership with Pakistan, said Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday.

'No matter how the international situation changes, this policy will not be shaken,' said the spokesman for the ministry, Hong Lei.

He said Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo, who recently visited Pakistan as a representative of President Hu Jintao, met President AsifAli Zardari, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani to discuss the state of relations between the two countries.

The future prospects in ties were also discussed.

At the meetings, the Pakistani leaders described the ties with China as a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy, said  Hong.

He said China firmly sup-ported Pakistan's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty, security, independence and territorial integrity and also its endeavours to improve the lives of its people.

Mr Hong said China was ready to launch joint initiatives with Pakistan to improve the already good bilateral relations, strengthen cooperation in international and regional issues and promote their comprehensive strategic partnership.-APP