ISLAMABAD/BEIJING: Pakistan and China have reached a “new broad consensus” on further deepening their strategic partnership, according to a joint statement issued at the conclusion of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s four-day visit to Beijing.
“Both sides agreed to further strengthen strategic dialogue and enhance exchanges at various levels to continue deepening political mutual trust and jointly keep China-Pakistan relations in the right direction,” the statement said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded his official visit to China on Tuesday and was seen off at Beijing airport by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying.
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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
The statement described Pakistan-China ties as an “important wealth and a strategic asset”, adding that the relationship had remained “rock solid” throughout 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Both sides agreed to tap into the potential for cooperation in such areas as economy and trade, energy, digital economy, finance, scientific and technological innovation, artificial intelligence, information and communication, water conservancy, marine affairs, among others, scale up personnel training, consult on advancing trade liberalisation, and jointly safeguard the stability and security of industrial and supply chains, it stated.
The two countries said the partnership had assumed “even more strategic importance and relevance” amid global changes.
The two sides stand ready to launch more “small and beautiful” livelihood projects in infrastructure, agriculture, education, health and other fields. China will continue to deliver on the plan of offering 3,000 training opportunities to Pakistan for the period of 2025-2029, the statement said.
Both sides agreed to maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen practical cooperation, deepen defence and security ties and coordinate closely on international and regional issues.
The statement said Pakistan and China would expand cooperation in economy and trade, energy, digital economy, finance, scientific innovation, artificial intelligence, information technology, water resources and marine affairs.
The two sides also pledged to safeguard the stability and security of industrial and supply chains.
Pakistan reiterated support for China’s global initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI) and Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by President Xi Jinping.
The Chinese side stands ready to work with the Pakistani side to fully implement the GSI, establish the China-Pakistan Security Partnership, conduct continued bilateral and multilateral counter-terrorism cooperation, and strengthen military-to-military cooperation, the statement said.
Both countries reaffirmed “unyielding support” for each other on issues concerning their core national interests.
Pakistan reiterated its commitment to the One-China policy and said Taiwan was an inalienable part of the territory of the People’s Republic of China.
China, in turn, reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and development.
China reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism, while Pakistan pledged enhanced measures to ensure the security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions.
The two countries also agreed to accelerate high-quality development of CPEC 2.0 and strengthen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Both sides agreed to advance projects including the Karakoram Highway realignment, Gwadar Port development and industrial cooperation in textiles and home appliances.
The statement added that Pakistan and China would continue expanding cooperation in agriculture, education, technology, mining, oil and gas, and space sciences.
The statement also highlighted both countries’ support for multilateralism and the United Nations-centred international order.
Pakistan appreciated China’s support for peace efforts in the Gulf region, while China welcomed Pakistan’s role in facilitating the temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran and hosting the Islamabad Talks.
