ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday praised the enduring Pakistan–China friendship, describing Beijing’s support for Islamabad as “steadfast and unwavering”.
Prime Minister Sharif made these remarks while addressing a ceremony in Islamabad commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
“Seventy-five years ago, our founding fathers laid the foundation of our bilateral diplomatic relations,” he said, adding: “Pakistan was the first Muslim country to recognise China and one of the first countries in the world to do so.”
“Through our mutual efforts and endeavours, and above all, sincerity of purpose, we have built a relationship that is second to none and very unique in the world,” he said.
He added that he had no doubts this journey would continue, and “I believe that in this time-tested relationship, this partnership is equally strengthened through joint ownership, joint efforts, and joint sincerity of purpose.”
The PM also reiterated that Pakistan has always supported the “One China” policy. “Till today and forever, we support the One China policy, without fear or favour.”
Shehbaz Sharif said the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), launched under President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative, stands as a powerful symbol of China’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and fostering prosperity and development across the country.
Referring to recent efforts aimed at facilitating peace talks between the United States and Iran, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said China had fully backed Pakistan’s initiative for peace and dialogue.
He noted that Pakistan and China had consistently supported one another without political conditions or shifts in policy, describing Beijing as a reliable and time-tested partner of Islamabad.
He added that the longstanding friendship between the two countries would continue to grow stronger.
Highlighting China’s global standing, the premier said the country was unmatched in the fields of industry and technology, stressing that global progress was closely linked to China’s continued development and contributions.
The premier added that today, in terms of economic prowess and military power, China was second to none. “The world without China cannot move forward,” he said.
Shehbaz Sharif also reaffirmed that ensuring the safety and security of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan remained a top priority for the government, pledging that all possible measures would be taken to provide them with the highest level of protection.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, were also present at the ceremony.
It may be recalled that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit China from Saturday to Tuesday for high-level talks aimed at further strengthening bilateral strategic and economic cooperation, China’s foreign ministry announced on Thursday.
Foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said the leaders of both countries would hold detailed discussions on bilateral ties and regional issues of mutual concern.
Over the decades, relations between Islamabad and Beijing have expanded across trade, infrastructure, defence, energy, technology, education and people-to-people exchanges.
China remains Pakistan’s largest foreign investor, largely through the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, the multibillion-dollar flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Officials in both countries increasingly describe the next phase of cooperation as “CPEC 2.0,” with greater emphasis on industrial modernisation, digital connectivity, technology, green development and economic integration.
Sharif last visited China in September 2025 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit.
