Shehbaz Sharif Strengthens Pakistan-China Ties During Beijing Visit

During his recent visit to China, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with President Xi Jinping to discuss the enduring friendship between their nations and Pakistan's role in mediating peace in West Asia. The leaders emphasized their commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including economic development and security. With the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations being celebrated, both countries reaffirmed their strategic partnership and outlined plans for future collaboration, including significant agreements on trade and technology. This visit marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan-China relations, highlighting their shared goals for peace and prosperity.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 26, 2026, 00:09 IST

Strengthening Diplomatic Relations

On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged in discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who praised the enduring friendship between Beijing and Islamabad. Xi acknowledged Pakistan's proactive role in mediating peace efforts in West Asia during their meeting at the Great Hall of the People. He referred to Shehbaz as an 'old friend' and emphasized the longstanding mutual understanding and support between the two nations, as reported by a local news outlet.

Xi stated, 'China appreciates Pakistan's initiative in mediating for peace in the Middle East,' addressing Shehbaz, who was accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, fresh from his visit to Iran. Shehbaz expressed gratitude for China's backing in the US-Iran negotiations, highlighting Xi's four proposals for peace in the region, according to China's state media.

'Your recent efforts in Iran have been commendable, and we value Pakistan's constructive role,' Xi remarked, as quoted by the local news source. Shehbaz characterized the relationship between China and Pakistan as one of 'iron brothers,' asserting its unparalleled nature.

Earlier, Shehbaz met with Premier Li Qiang, urging both nations to unite in their peace restoration efforts in West Asia. During the delegation-level discussions, he noted the critical global situation, particularly the crisis in the Gulf, and reiterated Pakistan's sincere mediation efforts between the US and Iran.

Shehbaz mentioned that Field Marshal Munir was eager to participate in this significant visit, having traveled overnight to join the discussions. He arrived in China on Saturday for a four-day official trip, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

He acknowledged the army chief's vital role in facilitating communications with Iranian and American leaders, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar's outreach to regional counterparts. 'We hope for lasting peace, and significant progress has already been made,' he stated.

Shehbaz expressed appreciation to President Xi and the Chinese leadership for their unwavering support in promoting peace and achieving a ceasefire. He emphasized the importance of this visit during a pivotal historical moment, celebrating 75 years of friendship and diplomatic ties established by the founding leaders of both nations.

According to an official statement, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed that the strategic partnership with China is fundamental to Pakistan's foreign policy. He highlighted the 'iron-clad friendship' based on mutual trust and a shared commitment to peace and prosperity.

The two leaders reviewed the breadth of their bilateral relations, expressing satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation across various sectors, including political, economic, strategic, and cultural domains. Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan's dedication to the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), focusing on industrialization, connectivity, agriculture, technology, clean energy, and socio-economic growth.

He stressed the need for synergy between China's 15th Five-Year Plan and Pakistan's development framework, Uraan Pakistan, to expedite development priorities and enhance cooperation. Shehbaz acknowledged China's consistent support for Pakistan's national development and economic stability.

He also assured the security of Chinese nationals and projects in Pakistan and emphasized the importance of collaboration in emerging sectors like space, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies. The selection of Pakistani astronauts for China's space station program was highlighted as a testament to the deepening cooperation in strategic areas.

Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination, expedite the implementation of agreed projects, and advance the Pakistan-China partnership into a new phase of effective and high-quality collaboration.

Separately, state media reported that Shehbaz and Premier Li witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding and cooperation agreements covering trade, investment, agriculture, science and technology, climate change, education, and cultural exchanges. Among the 15 documents signed were agreements on economic development cooperation and climate change, as well as counterterrorism equipment cooperation and human resource development.

Shehbaz's visit began in Hangzhou, where he toured local industries and met with provincial officials before arriving in Beijing for discussions with Chinese leaders.