Premier Shehbaz likely to visit China for high-level talks, CPEC 2.0 push

• Three-day visit from May 23–25 includes meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang

• Focus on economic cooperation, investment, energy and infrastructure development

• Both sides to mark 75 years of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations

• Talks expected on expansion of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0)

• Several MoUs and agreements likely on trade, investment and strategic collaboration

• Visit seen as key step in deepening Pakistan-China economic and strategic partnership

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit China from May 23 to 25, 2026, for high-level meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, with discussions expected to focus on economic cooperation, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0 (CPEC), and participation in celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations.

The visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties, expand economic cooperation, and enhance regional connectivity between Pakistan and China.

Update |

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐚 from May 23 to 25, 2026, for high-level meetings, including 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The visit aims 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 economic cooperation, discuss the China-Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/IsKWREvpIh

— South Asia Times (@_southasiatimes) May 9, 2026

According to officials, the prime minister will attend events commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, highlighting the longstanding partnership and strategic cooperation that defines the relationship. Both sides are also expected to explore avenues for deeper collaboration across multiple sectors.

The visit will include detailed deliberations on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and ongoing development projects under the framework. Trade, investment, energy and infrastructure cooperation will remain key areas of focus, while leadership from both sides will also exchange views on regional and international developments.

Sources said several agreements and memorandums of understanding are likely to be signed during the visit, focusing on economic cooperation, investment opportunities and strengthening bilateral partnerships. Pakistan is also expected to seek enhanced Chinese investment in key sectors of its economy.

China remains one of Pakistan’s closest economic and diplomatic partners. Over recent years, both countries have maintained close coordination on major infrastructure and development initiatives under CPEC.

Analysts believe the upcoming visit could further deepen strategic alignment and broaden the scope of economic and political cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing.