China Pledges Continued Support for Pakistan’s Economic Development as CPEC Enters New Phase
Islamabad: Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to supporting Pakistan across all sectors of economic development, particularly as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) enters its second phase with a focus on key economic areas.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, currently on an official visit to China, held a meeting with President Xi at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The two leaders reiterated their determination to further strengthen the “ironclad, all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” between Pakistan and China.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif congratulated President Xi on the successful hosting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin and extended greetings on the 80th anniversary of the global victory against fascism. Praising President Xi’s vision and leadership, he said Pakistan takes pride in China’s modernization and development and is committed to working alongside Beijing in its historic journey.
The Prime Minister acknowledged China’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, regional integrity, and socio-economic progress. He emphasized the importance of CPEC as a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and expressed Pakistan’s resolve to work with China for the successful implementation of its upgraded phase, which now includes five additional corridors.
Both leaders agreed that their bilateral ties are unique and unparalleled, and pledged to expand cooperation in line with this special relationship. They also exchanged views on major regional and global developments, underscoring the need for close collaboration between Islamabad and Beijing.
وزیر اعظم محمد شہباز شریف جو اس وقت چین کے سرکاری دورے پر ہیں، نے آج بئیجنگ کے گریٹ ہال آف دی پیپلز میں عوامی جمہوریہ چین کے صدر شی جن پنگ سے ملاقات کی۔ اپنی انتہائی خوشگوار ملاقات کے دوران، دونوں رہنماؤں نے پاکستان اور چین کے درمیان آہنی اور ہمہ موسمی تزویراتی تعاون پر مبنی… pic.twitter.com/s4ljdXVJry
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) September 2, 2025
Prime Minister Sharif welcomed China’s Global Governance Initiative, Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, describing them as essential for collective global well-being, peace, stability, and development.
President Xi assured that China would continue to assist Pakistan’s economic growth across multiple sectors, ensuring that CPEC’s second phase brings tangible benefits to Pakistan’s most vital industries.
Prime Minister Sharif also renewed his invitation to President Xi to visit Pakistan next year on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In addition to the meeting with President Xi, Prime Minister Sharif is scheduled to hold separate talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on regional security and economic cooperation. He will also visit a hospital in Beijing and meet leading Chinese entrepreneurs to explore opportunities for investment and trade.
The visit is seen as a significant step toward further strengthening Pakistan’s relations with China and other regional partners.
