PM reaffirms unwavering support for China, eyes stronger CPEC push ahead of Beijing visit

• Premier Shehbaz says Pakistan fully backs China’s core national interests, looking forward to May 23–26 official visit to China

• High-level Chinese parliamentary delegation meets premier led by Cai Dafeng on 75th anniversary celebrations

• Both sides hail 75 years of ‘All-Weather Strategic Partnership,’ saying CPEC next phase to focus on agriculture, IT, industry and mining

• Pakistan, China vow deeper cooperation for regional peace and stability as leaders reaffirm commitment to ‘ironclad’ friendship and shared future

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for China’s core interests and reiterated Islamabad’s firm commitment to ensuring the success of the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying he was “greatly looking forward” to his upcoming official visit to China scheduled from May 23–26.

The prime minister made these remarks during a meeting with a high-level Chinese parliamentary delegation led by National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee Vice Chairman Cai Dafeng, who called on him at the Prime Minister’s Office, according to an official statement issued by the PM’s Office.

Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National Peoples Congress H.E. Cai Dafeng called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad on 20 May 2026. pic.twitter.com/dbIDhil0jM

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 20, 2026

The delegation is visiting Pakistan to participate in celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

Welcoming the Chinese dignitary, the prime minister described the bilateral relationship as a “historic, time-tested All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” rooted in deep mutual trust, strategic convergence and shared aspirations for regional peace and development, the PMO said.

ISLAMABAD: 20 May 2026.

Call on the Prime Minister by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), Mr. Cai Dafeng.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a highly level Chinese delegation, led by H.E. Mr. Cai Dafeng, Vice… pic.twitter.com/f2LbtOKY2v

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 20, 2026

He said that over the past 75 years, Pakistan and China had built a unique and resilient bond of friendship, strengthened by consistent support on core national interests and close coordination on regional and global issues.

The meeting was attended by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar, SAPM Tariq Fatemi and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, the PM Office statement added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed warm greetings to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, while reiterating Pakistan’s full support for China’s core interests and expressing gratitude for Beijing’s consistent support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He described CPEC as a transformative initiative for Pakistan’s socio-economic development and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to advance the next phase of the project with a focus on agriculture, information technology, industry and the mining sector.

The prime minister also expressed strong anticipation for his upcoming visit to China, reiterating that it would further deepen strategic, economic and institutional cooperation between the two countries.

On regional developments, the statement said the prime minister appreciated China’s constructive role in promoting peace and stability in South Asia and the Middle East and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional harmony and multilateral cooperation.

Vice Chairman Cai Dafeng thanked the prime minister for the warm reception and extended greetings from the Chinese leadership on the milestone anniversary.

He said China would continue to support Pakistan and deepen cooperation to build a “China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future,” reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties across all domains.

He also expressed China’s support for Pakistan’s role in regional peace efforts and said Beijing would continue working for global peace, stability and development.

Both sides underscored that the Pakistan-China ironclad partnership remains a key pillar of regional peace, stability and shared prosperity.