President Xi Jinping described China’s relationship with Pakistan as “unbreakable” during a Monday meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing, as both nations work to strengthen their comprehensive partnership.
The Chinese president greeted the Pakistani leader as an “old friend” during ceremonies at Beijing’s Great Hall of the People, noting that both nations have “understood, trusted and supported each other” for many decades.
Pakistan holds a special status among the select nations that China considers an “all-weather strategic partner,” a designation that encompasses extensive economic, trade and security collaboration.
However, recent attacks by Islamist militants targeting Chinese citizens and infrastructure projects in southwestern Pakistan have created tensions with Beijing, while Pakistan’s improved relations with Washington have added complexity to the bilateral relationship.
“No matter how the international situation changes, China always prioritises the development of China-Pakistan relations in its neighbourhood diplomacy,” Xi stated.
According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, China expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Pakistan across multiple sectors including agriculture, industry, artificial intelligence and talent development.
Beijing indicated its readiness to collaborate with Pakistan in building a stronger China-Pakistan community with shared objectives, CCTV reported. The Chinese leader stressed the importance of maintaining high-level diplomatic exchanges and reinforcing strategic communication.
Prime Minister Sharif responded by describing China and Pakistan as “iron brother” nations with a relationship that is “next to none.”
Sharif traveled to Beijing alongside Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, who recently visited Tehran for discussions with Iranian leadership.
Following a fragile ceasefire in the Iran conflict established in April, Pakistan facilitated mediation discussions between Washington and Tehran, serving as an intermediary for proposals and communications between the two sides.
After several weeks of Pakistan’s diplomatic intervention, Washington has indicated advancement in negotiations with Tehran.
“I know that you have just returned from Iran and made positive efforts for the current peace. We still appreciate the constructive role played by Pakistan,” Xi remarked.
CCTV quoted Xi as saying both nations should pursue enhanced and more comprehensive security cooperation to support regional peace and stability, though he did not reference any particular conflict.
For Pakistan, involving China in its mediation activities holds significance given the close relationship between Beijing and Tehran.
In March, China and Pakistan released a joint initiative when their foreign ministers convened in Beijing, advocating for peace negotiations and the restoration of regular shipping operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
