During his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Tuesday (September 2), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing President Xi Jinping underlined the need for “accelerating the ironclad friendship, building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. Xi also reiterated that his country is ready “to build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0 and upgrade the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement.”
The bilateral meeting coincided with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025 and the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
A press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said “President Xi noted that China and Pakistan share a resilient bond, a brotherly bond, and also a bond built on trust and common values—an ironclad friendship that was forged through historical twists and turns and has grown ever stronger over time.” As the once-in-a-century transformations are unfolding faster across the world, a robust China-Pakistan relationship is vital for regional peace and development. The two sides should accelerate the building of an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, so as to deliver greater benefits to the two peoples and set an example for building a community with a shared future among neighboring countries.
President Xi also stressed, the statement said, that China supports Pakistan in maintaining unity, focusing on development, and enhancing national strength. China is ready to work with Pakistan to build the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0 and upgrade the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, and step up cooperation in industries, agriculture, and mining, with the aim of boosting Pakistan’s home-grown capacity for development. China supports Pakistan’s efforts to combat terrorism and hopes Pakistan will take solid and effective measures to ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan, to create a secure environment for bilateral cooperation. The two sides should strengthen strategic communication, implement the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative, address common challenges, and uphold international fairness and justice.
Prime Minister Shehbaz congratulated China on the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and noted that the Communist Party of China’s pivotal role in the global struggle against Fascism changed the course of history of both China and the world. Sharif also referred to the “Global Governance Initiative” (GGI) proposed by President Xi during the SCO summit as “of great significance for global peace, development, and stability. Pakistan fully supports and will actively promote this initiative.
Pakistan unwaveringly commits to the one-China principle and looks forward to strengthening friendly ties with China and advancing cooperation in various fields to ensure sustained progress in Pakistan-China relations. Pakistan will leave no stone unturned to protect Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in the country, the statement quoted Sharif as saying.
