China and Pakistan have reached a “new broad consensus” on ​deepening strategic ties to beef up development of a joint economic ‌corridor and establish the port of Gwadar as ​a regional connectivity hub, the neighbours said on ⁠Tuesday (May 26, 2026).

The remarks came in a joint statement as Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrapped up a visit to Beijing at ‌a time when Islamabad is seeking investment while navigating tension with Afghanistan and mediating in the ‌Iran war.

“Both sides welcomed third parties to participate ‌in ⁠the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor under ⁠the model agreed,” they said in the statement, issued after Mr. Sharif met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.

They agreed to promote “high-quality” ​development of CPEC, ‌a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road initiative, develop Pakistan’s port of Gwadar, and strengthen road and port links.

These plans encompass the Khunjerab Pass and an ‌upgrade of the Karakoram Highway, the main overland ​link between China and Pakistan.

Pakistan also promised targeted steps to boost security and cooperation to ensure ⁠the safety of Chinese workers and investments in Pakistan, a key concern for Beijing after repeated militant attacks on its ‌nationals and projects.

Regional diplomacy

China said it appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in easing the temporary U.S.-Iran ceasefire and hold talks in Islamabad. Both reiterated support for early adoption of a five-point initiative to restore West Asia peace, offering to make positive contributions towards it.

Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment ‌to the one-China principle, calling the democratically-governed island of Taiwan, claimed by ​China, an “inalienable” part of China and saying it opposed any form of Taiwan independence.

Taiwan rejects China’s ⁠claims, saying only the island’s people can decide its future.

Pakistan ⁠welcomed China’s efforts to boost its dialogue with Afghanistan. Both opposed the use of territory by ‌groups, such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, to imperil regional security or launch attacks.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday (August 22, 2025) met Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir and discussed regional security, counter-terrorism and matters of mutual interest.

Mr. Wang, who arrived in Pakistan on Wednesday to attend the 6th round of the Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue in Islamabad, also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari and reaffirmed China’s commitment to working with Pakistan to promote regional peace, development, and stability.

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China expressed “steadfast support” for the sovereignty and development of Pakistan as the two sides agreed to strengthen their “all-weather strategic partnership”, the army said in a statement on Friday.

It said that discussions between Army chief Munir and Foreign Minister Wang focused on regional security, counter-terrorism and matters of mutual interest.

“Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen the all-weather strategic partnership and enhance coordination at regional and international forums,” it said.

“Wang Yi reiterated China’s steadfast support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and development,” it said.

Mr. Munir expressed gratitude for China’s consistent support.

Their meeting concluded with a shared commitment to advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, the army said.

Last month, Mr. Munir visited China, where he met Vice President Han Zeng, Mr. Wang and top military brass, but not President Xi Jinping, unlike his predecessor Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

On Thursday, Mr. Wang and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held strategic consultations to review the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 2.0, trade and economic relations, multilateral cooperation, and people-to-people ties.

Mr. Wang arrived in Islamabad from Kabul, where he took part in a trilateral meeting with his counterparts from Afghanistan and Pakistan. The three sides agreed to expand cooperation in multiple fields, including the extension of the CPEC to Kabul.

This is Mr. Wang’s second visit to Pakistan in three years, and the latest high-level exchange between the two countries following recent bilateral meetings and visits.

Earlier this week, Mr. Wang visited New Delhi, where he held talks with his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar and attended the 24th round of Special Representatives boundary talks with NSA Ajit Doval on Tuesday.