What happened?
On 23-26 May 2026, Pakistan’s Prime Minister visited China’s Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province and Beijing. The Pakistani delegation included the Deputy Prime Minister, Pakistan’s Army Chief and other senior ministers. On the second day of the visit, PM Shehbaz met China’s President Xi in Beijing and commemorated the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. President Xi described relations as unbreakable, while PM Shehbaz described them as “iron brothers.”
He also held discussions on regional stability and the need for elevated cooperation of both countries with China’s Premier Li Qiang. Additionally, he reiterated the country’s commitment to the One China policy and support on matters concerning China’s core interests. He also chaired the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference.
China’s Foreign Ministry viewed this visit as "an important high-level exchange that consolidates and elevates the special friendship."
The leaders signed 15 cooperation agreements. The PM Shehbaz’s office statement reads that the agreements were “aimed at further deepening cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, science and technology, climate change, education, media, and people-to-people exchanges.”
What are the key outcomes?
First, the agreements and MoUs. According to the latest literature, this visit resulted in the signing of more than 200 agreements worth USD 20 billion. Regarding agriculture, both leaders agreed to a Protocol on Inspection, Quarantine and Sanitary Requirements for Dried Fruits and Nuts, a Protocol of Phytosanitary Requirements for Maize, an MoU on Strengthening Development Cooperation in the Agriculture Sector, and a Letter of Exchange on Animal Vaccines.
On economic development and trade, an MoU on Deepening Exchanges and Cooperation in the Field of Economic Development and an MoU on Supporting Free Trade and Multilateralism were reached. On education, an Executive Programme on Educational Cooperation and Exchanges, an MoU on Cooperation between the Foreign Service Academy and China Foreign Affairs University, an MoU between the Party School of the CPC Central Committee and Pakistan's National School of Public Policy, and an MoU on the Joint Implementation of the Human Resource Development Cooperation Programme for 2026. Regarding Science and Technology, an MoU between the Pakistan Science Foundation and the China Association of Science and Technology was reached, alongside an MoU on Cooperation in the Fields of Environment and Climate Change. A sister-Province relationship between Zhejiang Province and Punjab Province was also formalised. Additionally, USD 7 billion MoUs were signed between Pakistani and Chinese companies.
Second, the next phase of the CPEC projects. The meeting resulted in the inclusion of five new corridors and state-run projects. Special emphasis is on the industrial zone, youth employment, and technology transfer. Both leaders have also stated that they welcome third-party participation as well.
Third, regarding the ongoing Middle East conflict. Pakistan supported Xi’s four propositions on the Middle East. President Xi said, “Both sides should continue to maintain close communication and coordination (and) jointly oppose unilateralism and Cold War mentality.” China appreciated Pakistan’s proactive mediation role. China stated its interest to work alongside Pakistan and to “make positive contributions to the early restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East.”
What are the reasons behind the visit?
First, the visit commemorates 75 years of diplomatic relations. Pakistan and China have described their relationship as an “iron-clad” friendship. The visit builds on the 2025-2029 Action Plan to foster an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era. In the recent visit, both leaders have agreed to usher in a new phase beyond traditional diplomatic cordiality. A renewed focus will be given on practical, future-oriented cooperation in emerging sectors like AI, digital economy and green energy. The countries also share scepticism towards Western-dominated institutions and advocate for a multipolar world.
Second, the Phase-II of CPEC. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. It links China’s Kashgar region in Xinjiang to Gwadar Port in Pakistan. The new phase will focus on B2B industrial cooperation, five new industrial corridors, agricultural modernisation, and digital innovations and technology transfer. For Pakistan, CPEC provides capital inflow and strengthens the manufacturing base with the establishment of special economic zones. The project also supports energy security and agricultural security of Pakistan. For China, the project provides an alternative route to energy security, addresses domestic overcapacity, and supports regional development in underdeveloped areas like Xinjiang. The B2B investment conference held in Hangzhou sectors included IT& Telecom, BESS, and Agriculture, which were the major discussion points between the businesses of both countries. Here, Pakistan offers a youthful workforce, agricultural land and China offers capital, technology and market access.
Third, Middle East mediation. Both countries have called for mediation and dialogue on the US-Iran war. Pakistan has been playing the role of an intermediary between Washington and Tehran. For China, the matter concerns its energy security as 70 per cent of its oil imports are from the Middle East. Furthermore, the Middle East is a ground of China’s more than USD 100 billion BRI projects and initiatives like the Global Security Initiative. For Pakistan, it’s a matter of labour remittance and diplomatic relevance.
