- Xi Jinping describes Pakistan-China ties as an “unbreakable traditional friendship”
- Chinese leader pledges to deepen “all-weather” strategic cooperation
- Xi praises Pakistan’s role in facilitating peace efforts involving Iran
- Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan and China are “iron brothers”
- Meeting focuses on regional security, economic cooperation and Middle East stability
BEIJING, May 25, 2026 (Agencies) – Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to its longstanding partnership with Pakistan, describing bilateral ties as an “unbreakable traditional friendship” during talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Welcoming Sharif as an “old friend,” Xi said China and Pakistan had “understood, trusted and supported each other” for decades and stressed that Beijing would continue to prioritize relations with Islamabad regardless of changes in the international environment.
“China always prioritizes the development of China-Pakistan relations in its neighborhood diplomacy,” Xi said, while expressing readiness to build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future and expand cooperation across multiple sectors.
The meeting comes as both countries mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and seek to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, security, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and education. Chinese officials also emphasized the importance of maintaining close strategic communication and coordination on regional and international issues.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described Pakistan and China as “iron brothers,” saying the relationship between the two countries remained unmatched and continued to serve as a pillar of regional stability and economic cooperation.
A major focus of the talks was the situation in the Middle East and Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Iran and the United States. Xi praised Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting peace and acknowledged Islamabad’s recent mediation efforts.
“I know that you have just returned from Iran and made positive efforts for the current peace. We appreciate the constructive role played by Pakistan,” Xi told the Pakistani delegation, which included Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Pakistan has played an active role in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran in recent months, hosting mediation efforts and relaying messages between the two sides following the conflict that erupted earlier this year. Weeks of diplomatic engagement have reportedly contributed to progress in negotiations and efforts to preserve a fragile ceasefire.
China’s support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts is viewed as particularly significant given Beijing’s close strategic and economic ties with Iran. Earlier this year, China and Pakistan jointly called for peace talks and the restoration of secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies.
The talks also addressed regional security challenges, economic cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and broader efforts to promote peace and stability across Asia and the Middle East. Both sides pledged to maintain close coordination on international affairs and deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership.