China-Pakistan Scholars Trace Centuries Old Links Through Indus, Yangtze
China-Pakistan Scholars Trace Centuries Old Links Through Indus, Yangtze
Published September 20, 2026 | 03:10 PM
BEIJING, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Sep, 2026) New research into ancient river civilizations, historical routes and the firsthand memories of Karakoram Highway builders is offering fresh perspectives on the long history of exchanges between China and Pakistan, as the two countries mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
The research was showcased at a dialogue held on September 13 at Tsinghua University, where scholars presented:
- A multilingual book titled Indus and Yangtze: A Journey of Two Rivers from One Origin
- Research on ancient routes in the Yarkand River Valley
- An oral history of Karakoram Highway builders
- Doctoral research on Pakistan
The event was attended by Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi and Shi Anbin, Party Secretary and Chair of Tsinghua University's School of Journalism and Communication. Also present were scholars, researchers, and representatives from academic and cultural institutions in China and Pakistan.
Hosted by the Pakistan Center for Culture and Communication at Tsinghua University (CEN), the dialogue explored the strong strategic trust between Pakistan and China, built over decades of exchanges among political leaders, diplomats, scholars, media professionals, and people from diverse sectors.
Ambassador's Reflection
In his remarks, Ambassador Hashmi highlighted the significance of these exchanges:
"These experiences gave me insights and opportunities to learn from the transformation that has occurred in China."
He noted his travels across China as a privilege, saying he had visited almost every region, deepening his understanding of Chinese concepts like "harmony between humanity and nature" and broader principles of "harmony, shared development, shared prosperity, and a shared future."
Academic and Communication Role
Shi Anbin emphasized the role of academic and communication institutions in fostering international understanding:
"Journalism and communication education is not only about the transmission of knowledge and skills; it can also serve as an important bridge connecting different countries and peoples."
The event showcased a book edited by Li Xiguang, former executive vice dean of Tsinghua University's School of Journalism and Communication, and Zahid Anwar, former vice chancellor of the University of Peshawar. Entitled Indus and Yangtze: A Journey of Two Rivers from One Origin, it explores civilizations, economic development, and cultural exchanges through the lens of these two rivers, presented in English, Urdu, and Chinese.