China, Pakistan Affirm Strategic Partnership
China and Pakistan reaffirmed their strategic partnership, focusing on economic, security, and joint mediation efforts in the Middle East.
Lauren Collins ·
China, Pakistan Affirm Strategic Partnership
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met in Beijing on May 25, 2026, to reinforce their “all-weather strategic partnership.” President Xi described the relationship as an “unbreakable traditional friendship,” emphasizing China's prioritization of Pakistan in its neighborhood diplomacy. The discussions focused on deepening economic, trade, and security cooperation between the two nations.
During the visit, Prime Minister Sharif, accompanied by Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir, highlighted the global critical juncture and acknowledged China's support for peace. The leaders discussed their joint efforts in mediating peace in the Middle East, particularly concerning the US-Israel war on Iran. Pakistan has played a central role in facilitating talks, with China offering support and engaging in diplomatic efforts with Gulf countries.
Both nations expressed a commitment to building a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future. In March, China and Pakistan issued a five-point initiative advocating for peace talks and the restoration of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global waterway. President Xi commended Pakistan's constructive role in Middle East peace mediation, underscoring the strategic alignment between Beijing and Islamabad on regional stability.