BEIJING — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday described China’s relationship with Pakistan as “unbreakable” as he welcomed Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Beijing for high-level talks focused on regional security, economic cooperation and diplomacy surrounding Iran.
Meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Xi referred to Sharif as an “old friend” and said China and Pakistan had consistently “understood, trusted and supported each other” through decades of close relations.
Pakistan remains one of China’s closest strategic partners, with the two countries maintaining extensive cooperation in trade, infrastructure, defence and regional security under what Beijing calls an “all-weather strategic partnership.”
Xi said China would continue to prioritise ties with Pakistan regardless of changes in the international landscape, according to Chinese state media. He also called for expanded cooperation in agriculture, industry, artificial intelligence and talent development.
“China is willing to work with Pakistan to build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future,” Xi said, while emphasising the importance of high-level exchanges and stronger strategic communication between the two countries.
Sharif, in response, described China and Pakistan as “iron brothers,” saying the bilateral relationship was “next to none.”
The Pakistani delegation included army chief Asim Munir, whose recent visit to Tehran came amid diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions involving Iran.
During the meeting, Xi acknowledged Pakistan’s role in facilitating communication and peace efforts related to Iran following recent regional instability and ceasefire negotiations.
“I know that you have just returned from Iran and made positive efforts for the current peace,” Xi told Sharif. “We appreciate the constructive role played by Pakistan.”
Pakistan has recently acted as an intermediary in diplomatic contacts involving Washington and Tehran, relaying proposals and messages as negotiations continued over regional security issues.
China and Pakistan also reiterated the need for broader security cooperation to help maintain peace and stability in the region, although Chinese state media did not specify any particular conflict.
The talks come as Beijing seeks to safeguard major investments in Pakistan, including projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, while also balancing regional security concerns and evolving geopolitical dynamics in South Asia and the Middle East.
