Web desk(National Times)- China and Pakistan have reached a new broad consensus on deepening their strategic partnership, according to a joint statement issued by the countries at the end of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif\u2019s visit to Beijing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The statement, shared by the Foreign Office (FO) on X, said, \u201cThe two sides engaged cordially and reached a new broad consensus on further deepening the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and on international and regional issues of mutual interest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The statement was issued as PM Shehbaz concluded his four-day visit to China. He was seen off by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Hua Chunying at the Beijing airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The joint statement said that the two sides shared the view that the ties between the two countries were an \u201cimportant wealth and a strategic asset\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThroughout the 75 years of diplomatic relations, this friendship has remained rock solid no matter how the international and regional situations evolved, and the two countries have always trusted, respected and supported each other and stood by each other in times of difficulties and challenges,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It added that at a time when the world was undergoing profound changes, the partnership had taken on \u201ceven more strategic importance and relevance\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cChina and Pakistan will move faster to build an even closer China-Pakistan Community with a shared future in the new era, which will set an example for the endeavour to build a community with a shared future that connects China and its neighbouring countries,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It said that both countries were determined to safeguard and develop their bilateral relations, maintain high-level exchanges, make significant progress under the action plan to foster an even closer China-Pakistan community, deepen mutual trust, practical cooperation, defence and security cooperation, and keep close coordination on international and regional issues, \u201cso as to better harness this relationship to the benefit of the two peoples and contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBoth 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The joint statement stressed that Pakistan attached \u201cgreat importance to and supports the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the Global Development Initiative<\/a> (GDI), the Global Security Initiative<\/a> (GSI), the Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI), and the Global Governance Initiative<\/a> (GGI) put forth by President Xi Jinping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe 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, so as to further play a positive role in promoting regional peace and stability,\u201d the statement affirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Islamabad and Beijing also \u201creaffirmed their unyielding support for each other on issues concerning their respective core interests\u201d. They stressed that the authority of the UN General Assembly Resolution 2758<\/a>, which declares Taiwan an inalienable part of China, \u201cbrooks no question or challenge\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPakistan reaffirmed its strong commitment to the one-China principle, and holds the view that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the territory of the People\u2019s Republic of China and the Taiwan question is at the core of China\u2019s core interests,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It asserted that Pakistan \u201cfirmly supports all efforts by China to achieve national reunification and resolutely opposes any form of \u2018Taiwan Independence\u2019\u201d. \u201cPakistan firmly supports China\u2019s just stance on issues concerning Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, China also \u201creiterated its unwavering support for Pakistan in defending its national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity\u201d, adding that it \u201cfirmly supports Pakistan\u2019s efforts to safeguard its national security, stability, development and prosperity\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A later part of the statement noted that the Chinese side \u201creiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute<\/a> is left over from history, and should be properly and peacefully resolved in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBoth sides reiterated opposition to any unilateral actions and reaffirmed the significance of maintaining peace and stability in South Asia, and resolving all outstanding disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n They also \u201cexpressed readiness to conduct trans-boundary water resources cooperation under the principle of equality and mutual benefit\u201d. \u201cThe significance of the maintenance of international and regional security and stability was reiterated,\u201d the statement added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The joint statement also declared Islamabad and Beijing\u2019s aligned views on counterterrorism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Pakistani side \u201cspoke positively of the successful holding of the informal talks<\/a> among China, Afghanistan and Pakistan in Urumqi\u201d and welcomed the Chinese side to provide a dialogue platform for communication between Pakistan and Afghanistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBoth sides agreed to stay in close communication and coordination on the issue of Afghanistan,\u201d the statement observed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The two sides stressed the need not to allow \u201cany individual, group or party, including the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), etc, to use the territories to harm and threaten regional security and interests, or conduct terrorist actions and activities\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On its part, Pakistan would take \u201ctargeted steps to strengthen security measures and cooperation to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cChina supports Pakistan in its continued and firm fight against terrorism,\u201d the statement affirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both countries also \u201ccalled on the international community to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation, and reaffirmed their firm opposition to applying double standards on counter-terrorism or to politicising and instrumentalising counter-terrorism\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pakistan congratulated China on the successful completion of the strategic goals of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the strong start in implementing the 15th Five-Year Plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, China congratulated \u201cPakistani leaders on leading the country to achieve macroeconomic stability centred on Pakistan\u2019s national economic transformation plan (2024-2029) (URAAN Pakistan<\/a>)\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both sides agreed to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, hold the meeting of the CPEC Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) and promote the high-quality development of the upgraded version of CPEC 2.0<\/a>, the joint statement noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both sides agreed to advance the Karakoram Highway (Thakot-Raikot route) realignment project<\/a> in a \u201cphased and orderly manner\u201d. The two sides agreed to \u201cleverage the potential of the Gwadar Port<\/a> and build it into a regional connectivity hub\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Islamabad and Beijing also pledged to \u201cmake good use of the Khunjerab Pass to strengthen land connectivity between China and Pakistan\u201d. The two sides welcomed \u201cthird parties to participate in the development of CPEC under the model agreed upon by China and Pakistan\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, both sides also agreed to \u201cadvance the development of industrial parks in ways adapted to local conditions and create demonstration projects of industrial cooperation in areas including textiles and home appliances\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Touching upon the views shared by Pakistan and China on the global order, the statement said both sides agreed that it was \u201cessential to firmly uphold the victorious outcomes of World War II, and oppose any attempt to revive fascism and militarism\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe two sides agreed to jointly promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive global economic order,\u201d the statement noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe two sides expressed support for the postwar international order underpinned by international legal documents such as the Cairo Declaration<\/a> and the Potsdam Proclamation<\/a> and other principles of international law for the maintenance of world peace and security and safeguard historical truth and international justice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both sides also \u201cagreed to firmly safeguard the international system with the UN at its core, the international order underpinned by international law and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The US-Israel war on Iran was also mentioned in the statement, with Pakistan expressing support for the four propositions<\/a> put forward by Xi on \u201csafeguarding and promoting peace and stability in the Middle East\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On its end, China appreciated Pakistan\u2019s \u201cefforts in facilitating the temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran and holding the Islamabad Talks<\/a>\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBoth sides reiterated early implementation of the five-point initiative<\/a> for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region,\u201d the statement said, adding that they also expressed their readiness to \u201cjointly make positive contributions for the early restoration\u201d of regional peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moreover, Pakistan expressed its support for \u201cChina\u2019s initiative of establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation<\/a>, believing that this represents a concrete step toward promoting the development of artificial intelligence for good and for all\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Islamabad pledged to work with Beijing to \u201cadvance global governance and international cooperation\u201d on AI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, China reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pakistan as the next rotating president of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and leveraging Pakistan\u2019s term<\/a> as a non-permanent member of the UNSC from 2025 to 2026 to \u201cfurther strengthen coordination and collaboration in the multilateral context\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Chinese side also commended Pakistan\u2019s \u201cvarious initiatives for strengthening multilateralism, peaceful resolution of disputes, and regional cooperation\u201d under its UNSC presidency in July 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The joint statement highlighted several initiatives and bilateral engagements held between the two neighbours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both sides commended the success of the China-Pakistan Mineral Cooperation Forum<\/a> held in January 2026, and agreed to advance bilateral cooperation in mining and oil and gas exploration and development in an orderly manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The two sides also \u201cspoke highly\u201d of the separate visits to China by President Asif Ali Zardari<\/a> a month ago and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq<\/a> in January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The two countries welcomed the success of the seventh round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers\u2019 Strategic Dialogue<\/a> in January 2026 and the China-Pakistan Political Parties Forum and Meeting of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Political Parties Joint Consultation Mechanism in May 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBoth 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,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cChina agreed to assist Pakistan to promote its agricultural production capacity through multiple means, encourage Chinese enterprises to conduct agricultural investment and cooperation in Pakistan, and facilitate the market access of more high-quality Pakistani agricultural products to China,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It hailed the completion of 1,000 Pakistani agricultural technicians\u2019 training programme in China, with Islamabad particularly appreciating the \u201cstrong support\u201d by China\u2019s Shaanxi, Hubei, Sichuan and Hainan provinces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pakistan commended \u201cChina\u2019s cooperation philosophy of giving people both fish and fishing skills\u201d. The two sides stand ready to launch more \u201csmall and beautiful\u201d livelihood projects in infrastructure, agriculture, education, health and other fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cChina will continue to deliver on the plan of offering 3,000 training opportunities to Pakistan for the period of 2025-2029. Both sides will carry out the implementation plans for educational and cultural exchanges and cooperation, as well as expand cooperation between sister provinces and cities,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n China also welcomed two Pakistani astronauts<\/a> to come to China for training and \u201clooks forward to a Pakistani astronaut becoming the first foreign astronaut for the early entrance into the China Space Station\u201d. Both sides agreed to \u201ccontinue to deepen space cooperation<\/a> in a peaceful and mutually beneficial manner\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PM Shehbaz also hailed the \u201cfinest hour\u201d of the friendship between Pakistan and China. He made the remarks while addressing a ceremony in Beijing marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThese relations were carved out with great commitment, devotion and dedication by the great leaders of China and Pakistan. Over the last seven decades, these relations have reached a high point, where you cannot find a befitting parallel,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said that over the last seven decades, China had risen to the \u201czenith of glory through hard work and untiring efforts\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is a remarkable journey for all other nations around the globe to learn how to overcome poverty, unemployment. If you remain steadfast, then you ultimately achieve what today\u2019s China is \u2014 a world economic power and a world military power,\u201d he said, hailing the \u201cfinest hour\u201d in the friendship between the two countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cToday, we are like two souls and one heart. Our hearts beat together,\u201d he said. The premier stated that under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China had lifted eight million people out of poverty and provided jobs to millions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cChina, in terms of economic power, is second to none. China, in terms of military power, is at par with the most powerful nation in the world. Yet, Xi\u2019s philosophy [of] promoting peace \u2026 is something that makes him not only a towering figure, but one of the most respected leaders in this day and age,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLet us resolve to draw lessons from this great journey of hard lessons and untiring efforts \u2026 For us, it is a long journey, but the longest journey in the world started from the first step,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLet us take this first step. I can assure you that we will be able to achieve our targets in terms of [implementing] a mini-Chinese economic model in Pakistan one day,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Pak-China friendship has deep roots. It has weathered storms, given shade and borne fruit. It is now our responsibility to nurture new branches so that future generations inherit a relationship even stronger than what was envisioned by our forefathers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prime minister, on his final day in China, also paid a visit to the headquarters of IBI Corporation in Beijing, where he reaffirmed \u201ccommitment to expanding Pakistan-China Economic and Technological Cooperation,\u201d PMO said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PM Shehbaz assured Pakistan\u2019s \u201cfull support\u201d to Chinese companies \u201cfor the promotion and expansion of their businesses and further strengthen economic, trade, and technological ties between the two countries\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He also assured the company of facilitation for the growth of its business activity in Pakistan, PMO added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PM Shehbaz also stressed that AI and IT remained among Pakistan\u2019s top-most priorities. The prime minister also took note of the \u201cvast investment opportunities\u201d in SEZs, inviting Chinese investors to visit the first Special Economic Zone near Port Qasim in Karachi, PMO said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOver 150 companies and their representatives attended the thematic meeting about cross-border industrial belt practices and further promoting China-Pakistan industrial collaboration,\u201d the PMO statement read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The premier also visited the Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences in Beijing, where he asserted that the two nations must expand their \u201cironclad brotherhood\u201d to cooperation in agriculture, industry, research and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Referring to an MoU signed with the academy, PM Shehbaz stressed that it needed a \u201cstrong push\u201d, stating, \u201cI give you my irrevocable commitment that I will work with you and your team to achieve all those milestones in our agricultural sector which we have been longing for ages\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The premier noted that Pakistan\u2019s Agriculture Research Centre remained \u201cdormant\u201d. In that regard, he invited the Chinese academy to take on the management of the institutions and \u201cbring in the world\u2019s finest scientists\u201d to the centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PM Shehbaz also announced that Pakistan, in collaboration with the Chinese government, will be sending 1,000 fresh agriculture graduates \u201cfrom all four provinces\u201d to Chinese universities for \u201cfresher courses and modern training and modern areas of agriculture\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recalling his meeting with the Chinese leadership from a day ago, the premier said that the two sides reiterated their commitment to \u201caccelerate CPEC 2.0, and agriculture tops the list\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Separately, PM Shehbaz also held a series of high-level meetings with leading Chinese enterprises and reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s commitment to deepening economic, industrial and infrastructure cooperation under the framework of CPEC Phase II, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister\u2019s Office (PMO).<\/p>\n\n\n\n During a meeting with a delegation of FAMSUN led by its Chief Executive Officer Zhengjun Chen, the prime minister appreciated its \u201clongstanding contribution to Pakistan\u2019s agriculture sector, particularly in grain storage, feed production, and food security\u201d, the statement said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PM Shehbaz emphasised Pakistan\u2019s focus on reducing post-harvest losses and invited the company to establish manufacturing and technology transfer facilities in the country under incentives available through Special Economic Zones and the Green Pakistan Initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The premier also met a delegation from Shandong Xinxu Group Corporation, welcoming the company\u2019s expanding footprint in Pakistan across maritime development, battery manufacturing, mineral processing and industrial cooperation, the PMO said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He appreciated the company\u2019s role in advancing the Xinxu Special Economic Zone, the sea-to-steel project at Port Qasim and investments in Gwadar and northern mineral sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prime minister reaffirmed the government\u2019s \u201cfull support\u201d for the strategic projects and encouraged accelerated implementation under CPEC Phase II, the statement added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Separately, PM Shehbaz met Zhang Bingnan, chairman of China Communications Construction Corporation (CCCC), and senior representatives of China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n He appreciated the companies\u2019 six decades of contribution to Pakistan\u2019s infrastructure development, including landmark projects such as the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and Rashakai Special Economic Zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prime minister reiterated Pakistan\u2019s commitment to fast-tracking priority infrastructure projects, including ML-1, KKH realignment and other connectivity initiatives under CPEC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPakistan values CCCC and CRBC as long-term strategic partners in infrastructure modernisation and regional connectivity,\u201d he emphasised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the statement, the Chinese companies reaffirmed their confidence in Pakistan\u2019s economic potential and expressed interest in expanding investments across agriculture, industrial manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure and technology sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The prime minister was assisted by senior ministers and government officials, who were instructed to ensure rigorous and timely follow-up of the decisions taken during the meetings, the statement concluded.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Web desk(National Times)- China and Pakistan have reached a new broad consensus on deepening their strategic partnership, according to a joint statement issued by the countries at the end of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif\u2019s visit to Beijing. The statement, shared by the Foreign Office (FO) on X, said, \u201cThe two sides engaged cordially and reached […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":126612,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-126611","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest_news","entry"],"yoast_head":"\n<\/a>\u2018Unyielding support\u2019 on issues of core interests<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Counterterrorism<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Development roadmap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Shared worldview against \u2018fascism, militarism\u2019<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Bilateral exchanges, cooperation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>PM hails \u2018finest hour\u2019 of Pak-China friendship<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>PM assures Chinese companies of \u2018full support\u2019 for facilitation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Visit to Chinese Academy of Agriculture Sciences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>PM meets Chinese business delegations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n