Pakistan, China push ties to ‘new highs’ with renewed backing on Kashmir, CPEC, regional peace

• PM Shehbaz, Xi, Li Qiang reach new ‘broad consensus’ on deepening ‘strategic partnership,’ strengthening trans-boundary water cooperation

• Beijing backs peaceful resolution of Jammu and Kashmir dispute under UN resolutions

• Joint resolve voiced against TTP, ETIM and all forces threatening regional security, as both sides oppose unilateral actions, stress dialogue for regional stability

• Beijing reaffirms support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, security and economic stability

• CPEC 2.0, Gwadar expansion, industrial parks and mineral cooperation pushed forward

• China appreciates Pakistan’s role in Iran-US ceasefire efforts, Islamabad Talks initiative

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China on Tuesday reaffirmed their opposition to unilateral actions, underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in South Asia, and stressed the resolution of all outstanding disputes — including the Jammu and Kashmir issue — through dialogue and diplomacy, while also expressing readiness to enhance trans-boundary water resources cooperation.

The board consensus was reached during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s four-day official visit to China at the invitation of Li Qiang.

In a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the visit, the Foreign Office (FO) said the two sides agreed to unlock the vast potential for cooperation in economy and trade, energy, digital economy, finance, scientific and technological innovation, artificial intelligence, information and communication, water conservancy and marine affairs, besides expanding personnel training, advancing trade liberalization and jointly safeguarding the stability and security of industrial and supply chains.

🔊PR No.1️⃣2️⃣9️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣

Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (May 26, 2026)

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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 26, 2026

The Pakistani side briefed the Chinese leadership on the latest developments in Jammu and Kashmir, while the Chinese side reiterated that the dispute was “left over from history” and should be “properly and peacefully resolved” in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.

The statement said both countries also expressed readiness to undertake trans-boundary water resources cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, while reaffirming the significance of maintaining international and regional peace, security and stability.

 No individual or group including TTP, ETIM to threaten regional peace

Referring to the successful informal trilateral talks among China, Afghanistan and Pakistan held in Urumqi on Afghanistan, both sides stressed that no individual, group or entity — including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) — should be allowed to use any territory to threaten regional security, interests or conduct terrorist activities.

 ‘Broad consensus on deepening Sino-Pak All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership’

During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held separate meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, where the two sides reached broad consensus on deepening the China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership as well as on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

بیجنگ: 26 مئی 2026.

وزیراعظم شہباز شریف کا چین کا چار روزہ دورہ مکمل ہوگیا. وزیراعظم شہباز شریف چین کا کامیاب دورہ مکمل کرنے کے بعد وطن روانہ ہوگئے.

چینی وزارتِ خارجہ کی نائب وزیر اور چین- سی ای ای سی تعاون سیکریٹریٹ کی سیکریٹری جنرل ہوا چون ینگ نے وزیراعظم شہباز شریف کو… pic.twitter.com/LTKGn1sqpd

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 26, 2026

Prime Minister Shehbaz also attended events marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, with both sides describing their enduring friendship as a “strategic asset” nurtured by successive generations of leadership in the two countries.

“Throughout the 75 years of diplomatic relations, this friendship has remained rock solid regardless of changes in international and regional situations. China and Pakistan have always trusted, respected and supported each other, standing together in times of difficulties and challenges,” the statement said, adding that both countries would accelerate efforts to build an even closer China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era.

🔊PR No.1️⃣2️⃣9️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣

Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (May 26,2026)
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— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) May 26, 2026

Both countries reiterated their commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties through high-level exchanges, enhanced mutual trust, practical cooperation, defence and security collaboration, and close coordination on regional and international affairs to promote peace, stability and prosperity.

 Support for China’s vision of building ‘Community with a Shared Future for Humanity’

Pakistan expressed support for China’s vision of building a “Community with a Shared Future for Humanity” as well as the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) and Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by President Xi Jinping.

The two sides also highly appreciated the recent visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to China’s Hunan and Hainan provinces as well as the January 2026 visit of National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to China.

Both sides agreed to intensify strategic dialogue and exchanges at all levels to further deepen political mutual trust and steer China-Pakistan relations in the right direction.

The statement said the two countries reaffirmed firm support for each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and emphasized that the authority of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 “brooks no question or challenge.”

 Strong support for One-China principle reaffirmed

Pakistan reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the One-China principle, declaring Taiwan an inalienable part of the People’s Republic of China and the Taiwan question as central to China’s core interests.

“Pakistan firmly supports all efforts by China to achieve national reunification and resolutely opposes any form of Taiwan independence,” the statement said, adding that Pakistan also supported China’s position on Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea.

China, in turn, reiterated its steadfast support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and backed Pakistan’s efforts to ensure national security, stability, development and prosperity.

China congratulated Pakistan’s leadership on achieving macroeconomic stability under Pakistan’s National Economic Transformation Plan (2024-2029), branded as URAAN Pakistan.

The two sides agreed to further advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, convene the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Joint Cooperation Committee meeting, and accelerate development of the upgraded CPEC 2.0 framework.

Both countries also agreed to move ahead with the Karakoram Highway (Thakot-Raikot) realignment project in a phased manner and fully leverage Gwadar Port’s potential as a regional connectivity hub.

The statement welcomed the participation of third parties in CPEC projects under the mutually agreed framework between China and Pakistan.

The two sides agreed to promote industrial park development according to local conditions and establish model industrial cooperation projects in sectors including textiles and home appliances.

Both countries also praised the success of the China-Pakistan Mineral Cooperation Forum held in January 2026 and agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in mining, oil and gas exploration and development in an orderly manner.

 China to support Pakistan’s agricultural modernization

China agreed to support Pakistan in enhancing agricultural production capacity through multiple measures, encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in Pakistan’s agriculture sector, and facilitate greater market access for high-quality Pakistani agricultural products in China.

The two sides also expressed readiness to launch more “small and beautiful” livelihood projects in infrastructure, agriculture, education and health sectors.

China reaffirmed its commitment to provide 3,000 training opportunities to Pakistan during 2025-2029, while both countries agreed to expand educational, cultural and sister-city cooperation.

The Chinese side also expressed readiness to fully implement the Global Security Initiative (GSI), establish a China-Pakistan Security Partnership, strengthen bilateral and multilateral counter-terrorism cooperation and enhance military-to-military ties to further contribute to regional peace and stability.

Pakistan, on its part, pledged to take targeted measures to strengthen security arrangements for Chinese personnel, projects and institutions operating in the country.

“China supports Pakistan in its continued and firm fight against terrorism,” the statement said, adding that both countries opposed double standards in counter-terrorism and rejected politicization or instrumentalization of the issue.

Pakistan also conveyed support for China’s proposal to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, describing it as a significant initiative aimed at promoting inclusive and beneficial global AI governance and cooperation.

China reaffirmed support for Pakistan as the next rotating President of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and welcomed Pakistan’s role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2025-2026.

The Chinese side also commended Pakistan’s initiatives under its July 2025 presidency of the UN Security Council aimed at promoting multilateralism, peaceful dispute resolution and regional cooperation.

 Support for President Xi’s 4-point proposal for safeguarding peace and stability in ME

Pakistan expressed support for President Xi Jinping’s four-point proposal for safeguarding peace and stability in the Middle East, while China appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in facilitating the temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran as well as hosting the Islamabad Talks.

Both countries reiterated support for the early implementation of the five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region and pledged to jointly contribute toward lasting regional peace.

During the visit, the two sides also signed several cooperation agreements and documents covering a wide range of sectors.