Beijing, May 26,2026: Pakistan and China have reached a broad new consensus on further strengthening their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, according to a joint statement issued at the conclusion of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s four-day official visit to China.
The statement, shared by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, said both sides held cordial discussions and agreed to deepen cooperation across a wide range of sectors while enhancing coordination on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded his visit to Beijing on Tuesday, where he was seen off at the airport by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying.
‘Rock-solid’ friendship
The joint statement described Pakistan-China relations as an “important wealth and strategic asset”, emphasizing that the friendship has remained “rock solid” throughout the 75 years of diplomatic ties regardless of changing global and regional dynamics.
It noted that both countries have consistently trusted, respected, and supported one another during difficult times and challenges.
“At a time when the world is undergoing profound changes, the China-Pakistan partnership has gained even greater strategic significance,” the statement said, adding that both sides would accelerate efforts to build a closer “China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era.”
The two countries agreed to maintain high-level exchanges, deepen political mutual trust, strengthen defence and security cooperation, and enhance collaboration on regional and global issues to promote peace, stability, and prosperity.
Expanding economic and technological cooperation
Pakistan and China agreed to expand cooperation in trade, energy, finance, digital economy, artificial intelligence, scientific innovation, communications, water management, and maritime affairs.
The statement also highlighted plans to strengthen industrial and supply chains, advance trade liberalisation, and increase training and people-to-people exchanges.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing high-quality development under the Belt and Road Initiative and accelerating the upgraded phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0).
The two countries agreed to hold the next meeting of the CPEC Joint Cooperation Committee and continue work on major infrastructure projects, including the Karakoram Highway realignment and the development of Gwadar Port as a regional connectivity hub.
China and Pakistan also welcomed third-party participation in CPEC projects under mutually agreed frameworks.
Mutual support on core interests
The statement reaffirmed “unyielding support” for each other’s core national interests.
Pakistan reiterated its firm commitment to the One-China policy and described Taiwan as an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China. Islamabad also voiced support for China’s positions on Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea.
In return, China reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, national security, and economic development.
On Jammu and Kashmir, China reiterated that the dispute should be resolved peacefully in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and bilateral agreements.
Both countries opposed unilateral actions and stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to maintain peace and stability in South Asia.
Counterterrorism cooperation
Pakistan and China also agreed to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation and maintain close coordination on Afghanistan-related matters.
The statement said both sides emphasized that no group or organisation, including the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), should be allowed to use any territory to threaten regional security.
Pakistan assured China that targeted measures would continue to ensure the security of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions operating in the country.
China expressed support for Pakistan’s continued efforts against terrorism, while both sides opposed the politicisation of counterterrorism and the application of double standards.
Cooperation in agriculture, technology and space
The joint statement also highlighted expanding cooperation in agriculture, industrial development, education, and space technology.
China agreed to support Pakistan in improving agricultural productivity, encouraging Chinese investment in Pakistan’s agriculture sector and facilitating greater access for Pakistani agricultural products to Chinese markets.
Both countries welcomed the successful completion of the training programme for 1,000 Pakistani agricultural technicians in China and pledged to launch additional livelihood projects in infrastructure, health, and education.
China also confirmed that two Pakistani astronauts would receive training in China, expressing hope that a Pakistani astronaut could become the first foreign astronaut to enter the Chinese Space Station.
Shared global outlook
Pakistan and China jointly called for safeguarding the post-World War II international order and opposing any attempts to revive fascism and militarism.
Both sides supported a multipolar global order, stronger multilateralism, and adherence to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
The statement also noted Pakistan’s support for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s global initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilisation Initiative.
China appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in facilitating dialogue and promoting stability in the Middle East, including efforts linked to the recent tensions involving Iran.
PM Shehbaz calls Pak-China ties ‘finest hour’
Addressing a ceremony in Beijing marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the current phase of Pakistan-China relations as the “finest hour” of the friendship.
“These relations were carved out with great commitment and dedication by the leaders of both countries,” he said.
The premier praised China’s remarkable economic transformation under President Xi Jinping’s leadership and said Pakistan aimed to learn from China’s development model.
“Today, we are like two souls and one heart. Our hearts beat together,” the prime minister remarked.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Chinese companies in technology, infrastructure, artificial intelligence, agriculture, and industrial development.
During the visit, PM Shehbaz met senior executives of major Chinese companies and encouraged greater investment in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones, infrastructure projects, logistics, and manufacturing sectors under CPEC Phase II.
