IRIA News

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Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the strength of Pakistan-China relations during high-level talks in Beijing on May 25, 2026, as both countries marked 75 years of diplomatic ties and pledged deeper cooperation in trade, security, and regional diplomacy.

The meeting, held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, focused on bilateral relations, regional peace efforts, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the broader strategic partnership between the two countries.

Pakistan’s delegation included Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who also took part in the high-level discussions.

During the meeting, Xi stressed that strategic mutual trust and practical cooperation remain central pillars of bilateral ties. The Chinese president also reiterated support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Xi called for accelerating the construction of a “China-Pakistan community with a shared future” and expanding cooperation in agriculture, artificial intelligence, industry, talent development, and infrastructure projects.

Xi Praises Pakistan’s Role in Regional Peace

President Xi described Pakistan as an “all-weather strategic partner” and emphasized that Beijing continues to prioritize relations with Islamabad regardless of global political changes.

Xi said the two countries had “understood, trusted and supported each other” since establishing diplomatic relations in 1951, adding that the friendship between the two nations had become “unbreakable.”

He praised Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the Middle East and acknowledged Islamabad’s diplomatic engagement aimed at reducing tensions involving Iran and the United States.

“Pakistan’s constructive role and mediation measures for peace are commendable,” Xi said during the meeting. Chinese officials also highlighted continued coordination between Beijing and Islamabad on regional stability, counterterrorism, and international diplomacy.

Shehbaz Calls China a Global Power

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described Pakistan and China as “iron brothers” with a relationship “next to none.” He praised China’s economic transformation under Xi Jinping and said Beijing had become a major global economic and military power playing an important role in international peace and development.

Sharif highlighted his recent engagements in Hangzhou, saying the city’s rapid development reflected Xi’s leadership and long-term vision. “The everlasting friendship between Pakistan and China goes back to the founding leaders of both countries,” Sharif said.

He added that Pakistan had prepared a year-long plan to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The Pakistani premier also praised the Belt and Road Initiative and CPEC, calling them projects of “prosperity, development, and friendship.”

CPEC, a flagship component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, includes billions of dollars in infrastructure, energy, and transportation projects across Pakistan.

I have arrived in the beautiful and dynamic city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, as part of my official visit to China.

I am deeply grateful to the leadership of Zhejiang Province for the warm welcome extended to me and my delegation.

We look forward to strengthening practical… pic.twitter.com/T60RoRsDrh

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 23, 2026

Security and Counterterrorism Cooperation

The visit also came amid growing regional security concerns and renewed militant violence in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province.

China strongly condemned a deadly attack on a passenger train in Balochistan that killed at least 28 people and injured dozens more.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Beijing firmly opposes terrorism in all forms and pledged continued security cooperation with Pakistan.

Balochistan remains a strategically important region for CPEC projects linking western China to Pakistan’s Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea. Chinese officials said both sides would continue expanding counterterrorism and security cooperation to safeguard regional stability and protect key infrastructure projects.

Pakistan-China Ties Enter Strategic Phase

The latest meeting underscored the increasingly strategic nature of Pakistan-China relations as geopolitical competition intensifies across Asia and the Middle East.

China has long viewed Pakistan as one of its closest regional partners, while Islamabad sees Beijing as a critical economic, diplomatic, and security ally.

Analysts often describe the relationship as rooted in shared strategic interests, particularly balancing regional competition with India and expanding economic connectivity across Asia.

Pakistan was among the first countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China in 1950, and relations deepened significantly after the 1963 border agreement between the two countries. Over the decades, cooperation expanded into defense, infrastructure, nuclear energy, and diplomacy.

China has also played an increasingly visible role in regional mediation efforts involving Iran and Gulf countries. At the same time, Pakistan has sought to position itself as a diplomatic bridge between competing regional powers.

During the meeting, Xi and Sharif also discussed broader global issues, including opposition to unilateralism and support for a multipolar international order.

Xi said both countries should continue close coordination on international issues and work together to promote “inclusive economic globalization.” Sharif said Pakistan values China’s support for regional peace efforts and praised Beijing’s diplomatic role in the Middle East.