China and Pakistan Deepen Strategic Partnership After New Consensus Talks

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1440 EAT on Tuesday 26 May 2026

China and Pakistan have reached a “new broad consensus” on deepening strategic cooperation aimed at advancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and transforming the port city of Gwadar into a regional connectivity hub, according to a joint statement issued by the two countries.

“The two sides engaged cordially and reached a new broad consensus on further deepening the China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” the neighbouring nations said in a statement shared by mofa.gov.pk⁠� on X on Tuesday.

The statement underscored the continued commitment of both governments to strengthening economic cooperation, infrastructure development and regional trade connectivity under the multi-billion-dollar CPEC framework, a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

The statement comes as Shehbaz Sharif concludes a visit to China at a time when Pakistan is seeking fresh investment opportunities while navigating rising tensions with Afghanistan and playing a diplomatic role in efforts to ease the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Both sides agreed to advance the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, through the upgrade of the 1,300-kilometre (808-mile) Karakoram Highway and the further development of Pakistan’s Gwadar port, according to a joint statement issued after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing.

Pakistan also pledged to implement targeted measures aimed at strengthening security cooperation and ensuring the safety of Chinese workers, businesses and investments in the country — a major concern for Beijing following repeated attacks targeting Chinese nationals and infrastructure projects in Pakistan.

The two countries also underscored the importance of promoting a multipolar world order while opposing unilateral actions by other nations, according to the joint statement.

China further commended Pakistan for its role in mediating a temporary ceasefire in the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. Both sides reiterated support for the early adoption of a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace in the Middle East and pledged to make “positive contributions” toward regional stability and diplomacy.

Pakistan also reaffirmed its commitment to the One China principle, describing Taiwan as an “inalienable” part of China and opposing any form of Taiwan independence.

Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, maintaining that only the island’s people have the right to determine its political future.

Islamabad also welcomed China’s efforts to strengthen dialogue with Afghanistan. Both sides reiterated their opposition to the use of any territory by militant groups — including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement — to threaten regional security or carry out cross-border attacks.

-Aljazeera

Invest or Donate towards HICGI New Agency Global Media Establishment – Watch video here