Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China is the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy [1].
The statement underscores Pakistan's reliance on Beijing for economic stability and regional security as both nations mark a major diplomatic milestone. This alignment is critical for the continued development of infrastructure and trade routes connecting the two countries.
Sharif conducted a four-day visit to China from May 21 to May 25, 2026 [2]. During the trip, the prime minister focused on deepening economic ties and accelerating the progress of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects [2]. He said, "We are here to boost economic cooperation and advance CPEC projects" [1].
On May 25, 2026, delegation-level talks were held in Beijing to further these objectives [3]. During these discussions, Sharif expanded the scope of the partnership beyond bilateral economics, urging a joint effort toward international diplomacy. He said that China and Pakistan must be together to restore peace in the Middle East [3].
The diplomatic activities coincided with celebrations in Islamabad, where Prime Minister Sharif and President Zardari marked 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China [4]. The anniversary highlights the longevity of the alliance, which has evolved from a military and political bond into a comprehensive economic partnership.
Throughout the visit, Sharif emphasized that the relationship remains vital for regional stability. The prime minister said that the strategic alignment serves as a primary tool for navigating Pakistan's geopolitical challenges—linking economic growth to the success of the CPEC framework [2].
“Pakistan‑China strategic cooperative partnership is the cornerstone of our foreign policy.”
The emphasis on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 'cornerstone' designation signals Pakistan's intent to prioritize the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as its primary engine for economic recovery. By linking this partnership to the restoration of peace in the Middle East, Pakistan is positioning itself as a strategic bridge between Beijing and West Asia, attempting to leverage Chinese diplomatic weight to stabilize regional conflicts.
