Summary Pakistan and China reaffirm strategic ties as President Xi Jinping praises Islamabad’s peace efforts in the Middle East during talks with PM Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing.
ISLAMABAD/BEIJING (Dunya News) – China has praised Pakistan’s efforts towards promoting peace in the Middle East, with Chinese President Xi Jinping commending Islamabad’s role during high-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing.
According to Chinese media reports, the meeting between the two leaders covered a broad range of issues, including bilateral relations, regional developments, security cooperation and various dimensions of the strategic partnership between the two countries. The discussions reflected the longstanding and evolving relationship between Beijing and Islamabad, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation amid changing global circumstances.
President Xi highlighted Pakistan’s contribution to peace efforts in the Middle East and reiterated China’s commitment to placing its ties with Pakistan among its diplomatic priorities. He stated that Beijing highly values its relationship with Islamabad and views the partnership as strategically significant.
Describing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as an “old friend”, President Xi said China and Pakistan had developed an enduring and “unbreakable traditional friendship” over the years. He noted that the two nations had cultivated a relationship based on trust and mutual understanding, adding that the partnership continued to deepen across generations.
The Chinese president stressed the importance of expanding high-level security cooperation and strengthening strategic engagement. He also stated that both countries should jointly oppose unilateral policies and resist what he described as a “Cold War mentality”, signalling a shared position on evolving international geopolitical trends.
During interactions with Pakistan’s military leadership accompanying the delegation, President Xi welcomed Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on his visit to China. Referring to his recent diplomatic engagements, Xi remarked that he was aware the Pakistani military chief had returned from Iran before arriving in China.
The Chinese president said the relationship between the two countries had consistently been built on trust and understanding. He emphasised that strategic mutual confidence and practical cooperation had played a central role in driving bilateral progress and development.
Xi further noted that despite shifts in global politics and international dynamics, China’s relations with Pakistan remained a diplomatic priority. His remarks reflected Beijing’s continued support for close engagement with Islamabad at political, economic and security levels.
Had a most warm and cordial meeting with H.E. President Xi Jinping in Beijing today as Pakistan and China celebrate 75 glorious years of diplomatic relations. I was joined by DPM & FM Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 25, 2026
I reaffirmed that the Pakistan-China… pic.twitter.com/46iNPjJtxP
PM Shehbaz, meanwhile, expressed satisfaction over his visit to China and congratulated the people of both countries on the completion of 75 years of diplomatic relations. He said the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and China was rooted in the vision and efforts of the founding leadership of both nations.
The prime minister stated that more than seven decades of consistent effort and dedication had strengthened bilateral relations. He pledged to further reinforce cooperation and described Pakistan and China as “iron brothers” bound together through a unique and enduring partnership.
Shehbaz also reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to strengthening ties with China, stating that both countries would continue working together to expand strategic cooperation.
Referring to his previous engagements in China, the prime minister recalled attending a military parade in the country last year upon a special invitation. He said the event had attracted global attention and reflected the strength of relations between the two nations.
Praising China’s rise on the world stage, the Pakistani premier said that under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, China had emerged as a major global economic and military power. He acknowledged Beijing’s increasing role in promoting development and peace internationally.
The Pakistani premier also highlighted the development of Hangzhou, describing it as a reflection of President Xi’s vision and dynamic leadership. He pointed to the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as projects representing prosperity, development and friendship.
Shehbaz further remarked that meaningful public trust and support could only be earned through selfless service and sustained effort, underscoring the importance of commitment in governance and leadership.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz visited the Monument to the People’s Heroes at Tiananmen Square in Beijing, where he paid tribute to China’s national heroes. Upon his arrival at the memorial site, the national anthems of Pakistan and China were played.
The prime minister laid a floral wreath at the monument and honoured the memory of China’s national heroes. Federal ministers, members of the Pakistani delegation and senior Chinese officials were also present during the ceremony, marking another symbolic moment in the diplomatic engagements of the visit.
