PM Shehbaz reaffirms Pakistan’s support for China and CPEC expansion
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for China’s core national interests and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the successful expansion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during a meeting with a senior Chinese delegation visiting Islamabad.
The high-level delegation was led by Cai Dafeng, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC), and arrived in Pakistan as part of celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
According to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, deepening strategic coordination, and enhancing economic collaboration between the two longstanding allies.
Welcoming the visiting Chinese delegation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the historic and enduring partnership shared by Pakistan and China, describing it as an “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” built on mutual trust, shared interests, and close coordination on regional and international matters.
The prime minister noted that over the past 75 years, both countries have developed a unique and resilient relationship that has continued to grow stronger through changing global and regional dynamics. He emphasized that Pakistan highly values its friendship with China and remains committed to advancing cooperation in trade, infrastructure, energy, investment, and regional connectivity.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to accelerate the next phase of CPEC, which is expected to focus on industrial development, agriculture modernization, information technology, and enhanced business cooperation. He stated that CPEC remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic transformation and regional connectivity ambitions.
The Chinese delegation appreciated Pakistan’s continued support and acknowledged the importance of bilateral cooperation in promoting regional stability and economic growth. Both sides also exchanged views on strengthening parliamentary exchanges and people-to-people contacts as part of broader diplomatic engagement.
Officials said the discussions reflected the deep strategic understanding between Islamabad and Beijing, particularly at a time when both countries are working to expand cooperation across multiple sectors under the Belt and Road Initiative framework.
The visit by the Chinese delegation comes amid growing economic engagement between the two countries, with Pakistan seeking increased investment, industrial collaboration, and infrastructure development under the next phase of CPEC projects.
Pakistan and China established diplomatic relations in 1951, and over the decades the partnership has evolved into one of the strongest bilateral relationships in the region, spanning defense, economy, trade, infrastructure, and international diplomacy.