ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has commenced an official visit to China aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and advancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as both countries commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
According to the President’s Secretariat, President Zardari reached Changsha shortly after midnight on Saturday, where he was warmly received by Hu Xusheng, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Hunan Provincial People’s Congress.
Senior officials from both countries, including the ambassadors of Pakistan to China and China to Pakistan, were also present at the airport to welcome the visiting head of state.
President Zardari arrives in Changsha, China. He was warmly welcomed by Mr. Hu Xusheng, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Hunan Provincial People’s Congress. Ambassadors of China in Pakistan & Pakistan in China were also present on the occasion. pic.twitter.com/qOtVPONE8D
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) April 25, 2026
Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider saw off the president at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport before his departure, according to state broadcaster Pakistan Television.
The Foreign Office confirmed that the presidential visit will span two key Chinese provinces. President Zardari is scheduled to stay in Hunan’s provincial capital Changsha from April 25 to 27, followed by a visit to Sanya in Hainan province from April 28 to May 1.
🔊PR No.1️⃣0️⃣9️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣
Curtain Raiser: Visit of the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the People’s Republic of China
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/VpXAQMvP43— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 25, 2026
During his engagements, the president will hold meetings with provincial leadership to review the full scope of Pakistan–China relations, with a particular emphasis on expanding bilateral trade, boosting economic cooperation, and accelerating progress under CPEC projects.
The Foreign Office further stated that the visit reflects the “longstanding tradition of high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China” and carries special significance this year as both nations mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
It added that the trip underscores the “deep commitment” of both sides to strengthening their strategic cooperative partnership.
President Zardari had last visited China on a ten-day official trip, during which he met senior Chinese leadership to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors, including energy, agriculture, rail connectivity, defence, and industrial development.
On that occasion, six memoranda of understanding were signed between the Sindh government and Chinese business partners, focusing on agriculture development, defence collaboration, energy projects, rail infrastructure, and farmer training initiatives.
Officials noted that these programmes are intended to be expanded to other provinces as part of broader national development efforts.
This latest visit is expected to further reinforce economic diplomacy between the two countries and provide renewed momentum to CPEC-linked development initiatives.
