Pakistan and China Reach New Consensus on Expanding Strategic Cooperation

Pakistan and China have reached a new broad consensus on deepening bilateral relations, strengthening strategic coordination, and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, according to a joint statement released on Tuesday.

The two countries also agreed to advance high-quality development, particularly by accelerating the implementation of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0 (CPEC 2.0), while welcoming third-party participation in the project’s development process.

The statement came after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded a four-day visit to Beijing at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

During the visit, Shehbaz Sharif met Chinese President Xi Jinping and held formal talks with Premier Li Qiang. The two sides discussed bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues in detail.

Sharif also attended events marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China and visited Hangzhou in Zhejiang.

Both countries described the “China-Pakistan friendship” as a strategic asset built over generations of leadership and resilient despite changing international circumstances.

The two sides agreed to accelerate the building of a “China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future” under the 2025–2029 cooperation framework.

Pakistan pledged to strengthen security measures for Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions operating in the country, while China reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.

The joint statement also called on the international community to enhance cooperation against terrorism and opposed the use of counterterrorism issues for political purposes or through double standards.

Both sides stressed that groups such as Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) must not be allowed to use any country’s territory to threaten regional peace and security.

Pakistan reiterated its firm commitment to the “One China” policy, stating that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China. Islamabad also expressed support for Beijing’s positions on Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea.

China, in turn, reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national stability.

The two countries agreed to further strengthen cooperation under Belt and Road Initiative and speed up development under the CPEC 2.0 framework.

Key infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction of the Karakoram Highway, will also move forward. Both sides emphasized the importance of developing Gwadar Port into a regional connectivity hub.

Additionally, Pakistan and China agreed to cooperate on China’s proposed global AI governance initiative, the “World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization.”

The two countries also reaffirmed support for a United Nations-centered international system and called for reforms in global economic governance and a stronger multipolar world order.