Shehbaz Sharif concluded his four-day visit to China after both countries agreed to deepen their strategic partnership further. Pakistan and China reached what officials described as a “new broad consensus” on regional cooperation and bilateral ties. The agreement covered defence, security, economic cooperation, and coordination on major international issues.
A joint statement issued after meetings with Xi Jinping and Li Qiang reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to stronger cooperation. The two sides agreed to accelerate efforts toward building a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future. Officials described the relationship as strategically important amid changing global and regional conditions.
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Both countries pledged to strengthen defence and counterterrorism cooperation while enhancing coordination on global and regional affairs. China appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating temporary ceasefire efforts between the United States and Iran through the Islamabad talks. Additionally, both sides agreed to maintain close communication regarding Afghanistan and prevent militant groups from threatening regional security.
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Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (May 26, 2026)
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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 26, 2026
Pakistan and China also agreed to advance high-quality development under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0. The joint statement highlighted cooperation in infrastructure, mining, agriculture, artificial intelligence, energy, and industrial development projects. Both sides further agreed to develop Gwadar Port into a regional connectivity hub and improve trade and transport links through the Khunjerab Pass.
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The statement reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the One-China policy and China’s backing of Pakistan’s sovereignty and security interests. Beijing also reiterated its position that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute should be resolved peacefully under relevant UN resolutions. Before departing, Shehbaz Sharif praised China’s development model and described Pakistan-China friendship as deep-rooted and resilient across generations.