Tianjin, September 2, 2025: Pakistan and China on Tuesday reaffirmed their “iron-clad and all-weather strategic cooperative partnership,” pledging to deepen cooperation in trade, energy, defence, and infrastructure while advancing the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks at the Great Hall of the People on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State summit, held from August 31 to September 1. The leaders described the bilateral relationship as “unique and unparalleled,” vowing to reflect this in enhanced cooperation across all sectors, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the successful implementation of the upgraded CPEC, particularly its five new corridors, which are set to broaden the scope of cooperation in industry, agriculture, digital economy, green energy, and regional connectivity. He said CPEC remains a flagship project of President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which would help both nations build an even stronger “Pakistan–China community with a shared future.”
President Xi assured continued Chinese support for Pakistan’s economic growth, particularly in key sectors under CPEC’s second phase. He pledged that Beijing would stand with Islamabad in accelerating development and deepening strategic collaboration.
The two leaders also discussed major regional and global developments, agreeing to maintain close coordination in multilateral forums. Prime Minister Shehbaz praised President Xi’s leadership, describing it as visionary and transformational, and congratulated him on the success of the SCO summit and on the 80th anniversary of the World Anti-Fascist War.
Shehbaz also lauded China’s strong commitment to strengthening multilateralism and voiced Pakistan’s full support for Beijing’s global initiatives, including the Global Governance Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilisation Initiative. He said these frameworks would contribute to global peace, stability, and sustainable development.
Expressing gratitude for China’s “unflinching support” to Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and socio-economic development, the prime minister said Pakistan takes pride in China’s achievements and will always stand by Beijing in its modernisation journey.
Shehbaz extended a “most cordial” invitation to President Xi to undertake an official visit to Pakistan in 2026, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
