BEIJING: Pakistan and China have reached a broad new consensus on strengthening their strategic partnership, enhancing regional coordination, and expanding cooperation in key sectors including trade, infrastructure, security, technology, and agriculture, according to a joint statement issued Tuesday.
The agreement came during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Beijing, where he held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and senior Chinese leadership.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” and pledged to accelerate high-quality development under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), including the modernization of Gwadar Port and improvements to regional connectivity infrastructure.
The joint statement also highlighted cooperation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, industry, mining, and agriculture, while emphasizing closer diplomatic coordination on regional and global issues.
China praised Pakistan’s recent diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting regional peace and stability, particularly its role in facilitating dialogue linked to tensions involving Iran and the United States.
Pakistan reiterated its support for the One-China policy and reaffirmed opposition to Taiwan independence, while both countries expressed commitment to maintaining regional security and preventing militant threats.
The visit marks another step in the deepening ties between Islamabad and Beijing as the two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations this year.