Backgrounder: Chronology of key events in Sino-Pakistan relations

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao starts a three-day official visit to Pakistan on Tuesday with an aim to further strengthen the time-tested friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries.

The following are major events during the development of the bilateral ties.

-- On May 21, 1951, China and Pakistan establish their diplomatic relations. Since then, the two countries have witnessed smooth development of friendly and neighborly relations.

-- In April 1955, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai holds talks with Pakistani Prime Minister M. Ali during the Bandung Conference, and both sides agree that bilateral ties should be strengthened.

-- In October 1956, at the invitation of the Chinese government,Pakistani Prime Minister H.E. Sulawadi pays an official visit to China. In December 1956, Premier Zhou visits Pakistan.

-- In January 1963, China and Pakistan sign their fist trade agreement.

-- In March 1963, the two countries sign a boundary agreement on China's Xinjiang and the adjacent areas whose defense is under the actual control of Pakistan.

-- In February 1964, Premier Zhou visits Pakistan and in December Pakistani President Ayub Khan visits China.

-- In November 1970, Pakistan President Yahay Khan visits China.

-- In May 1980, Pakistani President Zia-ul Huq visits China.

-- In October 1982, The China-Pakistan Joint Committee of Economy, Trade and Technology is set up.

-- In February 1989, Pakistani Prime Minister B. Bhutto visits China, and in November Chinese Premier Li Peng visits Pakistan.

-- In December 1996, Chinese President Jiang Zemin pays a state visit to Pakistan, during which the two countries decided to establish a comprehensive partnership.

-- In May 2001, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji visits Pakistan and in December Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf pays a state visit to China.

-- In May 2003, Pakistani Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali pays an official visit to China.

-- In November 2003, Chinese President Hu Jintao held talks with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf in Beijing.

-- In December 2004, President Hu met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in Beijing.