ISLAMABAD  - A recent online survey, jointly conducted by Xinhua, Pakistani online magazine Youlin and China's Tencent News in both the countries, shows that citizens of both countries share a similar view on the bilateral ties as "iron friends" was the first phrase that surfaced in their minds when China-Pakistan relationship was mentioned.
In Chinese, the phrase "iron friends" means trustworthy friends whose friendship is as solid as iron.
According to the survey launched online on April 12, 89 per cent of Chinese citizens and 90 per cent of Pakistanis surveyed chose "iron brothers" to describe the China-Pakistan relations.
The two neighbours maintain a traditional friendship and have always supported each other's core interests. Since the establishment of their diplomatic ties in May 1951, they have developed an all-weather friendship and conducted comprehensive cooperation.