On December 29, 2008, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari met with visiting special envoy of the Chinese government and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei at the presidential residence, exchanging views on bilateral ties and the situation in South Asia. Both sides agreed to maintain and develop the sound momentum of China-Pakistan relations, expand mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas and continuously build up the traditional friendship between the two countries.

On the situation in South Asia, Zardari reaffirmed that Pakistan remains committed to easing tensions in the region and restarting the dialogue process with India. He said terrorism is a regional problem that the whole region should join hands to address.

He Yafei expressed China's deep concerns over the developments of the situation in South Asia. China supports Pakistan and India, both important countries in South Asia, to properly handle relevant issues through friendly consultations and dialogue, he said. He expressed hope for peaceful coexistence and common development of the two countries. China is ready to continue playing a constructive role in easing the tensions between Pakistan and India and promoting peace and stability in South Asia.

On December 29, He met respectively with Pakistani Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. He also went to a hospital in Islamabad to call on a Chinese engineer wounded in a recent Pakistan gun attack.