Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Meets Xi Jinping in Beijing, Reaffirms Strong China-Pakistan Strategic Partnership

Beijing, May 2026 : Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held wide-ranging talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his four-day official visit to China, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries.

The high-level meeting took place in Beijing as Pakistan and China marked 75 years of diplomatic relations. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation across key sectors including infrastructure, industry, agriculture, technology, security, clean energy, and regional stability.

Describing the meeting as “very good and cordial,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the Pakistan-China friendship continues to remain a powerful force for peace, stability, and shared prosperity in a rapidly changing global environment.

In a statement shared on social media after the meeting, Sharif said he was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir during the talks with President Xi.

The Pakistani Prime Minister reiterated that the “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” with China remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He also thanked President Xi for China’s continued support for Pakistan’s peace initiatives and praised the Chinese leader’s proposed four-point framework aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.

According to Sharif, both sides discussed measures to deepen strategic coordination and accelerate the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which remains one of the flagship projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

The two leaders also reviewed opportunities for enhanced collaboration in sectors such as science and technology, industrial development, agriculture, clean energy, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, space cooperation, and talent development.

Sharif praised President Xi’s major global initiatives, saying they contribute to international peace, development, and shared prosperity. He added that the Pakistan-China partnership continues to grow stronger despite changing geopolitical dynamics.

The meeting was held at the historic Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where President Xi described Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as an “old friend” of China and highlighted the deep-rooted trust and cooperation that have defined relations between the two nations over the past seven decades.

Xi Jinping said China is ready to work closely with Pakistan to build an even stronger “China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.” He stated that the partnership between the two countries not only contributes to regional peace and stability but also serves as an example of friendly cooperation among neighbouring nations.

The Chinese President emphasised that over the past 75 years, both countries have consistently trusted, supported, and stood by each other during difficult times, thereby creating what he described as an “unbreakable friendship.”

Xi said China continues to view Pakistan as a priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy and stressed the need to accelerate implementation of the action plan for building a closer shared future partnership.

He also reaffirmed China’s firm support for Pakistan in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. According to Xi, both countries should deepen practical cooperation in diverse fields including business, agriculture, artificial intelligence, education, and security coordination.

The Chinese President called for stronger collaboration to maintain regional peace and security through expanded security cooperation at higher levels. He also commended Pakistan’s diplomatic role in supporting efforts aimed at restoring peace in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in response, said Pakistan has always regarded China as its most reliable friend and strategic partner. He noted that Islamabad looks forward to celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties with China through expanded cooperation and stronger people-to-people relations.

Sharif also expressed Pakistan’s interest in learning from China’s governance model and economic development experience. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to advancing Belt and Road cooperation and further accelerating projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The Pakistani Prime Minister additionally praised President Xi’s four-point proposal on the Middle East situation, describing it as a constructive roadmap for achieving peace and stability in the region.

He concluded by saying Pakistan would continue to strengthen coordination with China on regional and international issues to jointly contribute to global peace, stability, and development.

Team Maverick.