Xi Jinping has described China’s relationship with Pakistan as “unbreakable,” reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to prioritising ties with Islamabad amid intensifying geopolitical tensions and shifting global alliances.
The remarks came during high-level meetings in Beijing between Xi and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as the two countries celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations.
The visit, which followed recent trips to Beijing by US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighted China’s expanding global diplomatic influence and Pakistan’s growing strategic significance in a rapidly changing international environment.
Xi Says China Will Always Prioritise Pakistan
Speaking at the Great Hall of the People, President Xi praised the historic relationship between the two countries and pledged continued strategic support for Pakistan.
“Over the past 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Pakistan have enjoyed mutual understanding, trust and support,” Xi said.
He added that regardless of changes in the global political landscape, China would continue giving priority to Pakistan within its regional diplomacy framework.
Xi also reiterated China’s support for Pakistan’s:
- Sovereignty
- Territorial integrity
- National security
- Economic development
Strategic Cooperation to Expand
According to official statements, the two sides discussed expanding cooperation in:
- Artificial intelligence
- Agriculture
- Industry
- Science and technology
- Talent development
- Security coordination
Xi further called for closer communication between the two countries to jointly oppose “unilateralism and Cold War mentality” while supporting a more balanced multipolar world order.
China Praises Pakistan’s Middle East Mediation Efforts
President Xi also commended Pakistan’s recent diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East.
China praised Islamabad for playing an active role in mediation and promoting dialogue during ongoing regional instability involving Iran, Gulf states, and the United States.
Prime Minister Shehbaz stated that Pakistan remained committed to pursuing peace initiatives and diplomatic engagement to prevent wider conflict.
Asim Munir’s Diplomatic Role Highlighted
During delegation-level talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Shehbaz revealed that Chief of Defence Staff and Army Chief Syed Asim Munir had recently returned from Tehran after engaging both Iranian and American leaderships in backchannel mediation efforts.
“He didn’t want to miss this great visit,” Shehbaz remarked while referencing Munir’s overnight travel to Beijing.
The prime minister credited both Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar for playing important diplomatic roles in efforts aimed at securing long-term regional peace.
Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment to One-China Policy
During his remarks, Shehbaz Sharif described Xi Jinping as:
“A great friend of the Pakistani people and also a great friend of all peace-loving humanity.”
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the One-China policy and pledged continued cooperation on issues concerning China’s core interests.
Islamabad also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and broader Belt and Road Initiative cooperation framework.
CPEC 2.0 and Economic Cooperation
Shehbaz said Pakistan and China were now preparing for an expanded phase of economic partnership under “CPEC 2.0.”
Discussions reportedly focused on:
- Infrastructure
- Energy cooperation
- Digital transformation
- Clean energy
- Space cooperation
- Industrial investment
The Pakistani prime minister also praised China’s rapid economic development and transformation, describing the bilateral relationship as a continuation of the vision established by the founding leaders of both countries.
Fifteen Agreements Signed During Visit
Following the talks, Pakistan and China signed 15 agreements and cooperation accords covering multiple sectors.
The agreements included:
- Economy and trade
- Agriculture and food security
- Climate and environment
- Counterterrorism cooperation
- Education
- Science and technology
- Media collaboration
Officials also exchanged documents related to:
- Veterinary vaccine donations
- Agricultural exports including dried fruits, nuts, and maize
- Counterterrorism equipment cooperation
Symbolic Ceremonies and Strategic Messaging
Prime Minister Shehbaz was accorded a formal guard of honour at the Great Hall of the People and also laid a wreath at the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Tiananmen Square.
Following the meetings, Shehbaz posted on social media that he had held a “warm and cordial meeting” with President Xi and appreciated China’s global initiatives promoting peace and shared prosperity.
Pakistan-China Partnership Deepens Amid Global Realignment
The Beijing meetings signal a further deepening of the Pakistan-China strategic partnership at a time of growing geopolitical fragmentation.
For China, Pakistan remains:
- A critical Belt and Road partner
- A regional security ally
- A strategic gateway linking South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East
For Pakistan, stronger ties with Beijing provide:
- Economic support
- Strategic balancing power
- Infrastructure investment
- Diplomatic backing in international forums
The timing of the visit — shortly after meetings between China, the United States, and Russia — also highlights Beijing’s central role in shaping emerging global alignments.
Analysts say Pakistan’s increasing involvement in regional mediation efforts, combined with expanded military and economic coordination with China, reflects Islamabad’s attempt to position itself as both a strategic partner and diplomatic intermediary in a rapidly evolving international order.
