During a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on June 3, Chinese President Xi Jinping praised the 'unbreakable' friendship with Pakistan, asserting that Beijing always prioritizes its relationship with Islamabad in its neighborhood diplomacy.
Addressing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Xi called the Pakistani leader an 'old friend' and emphasized that the two nations have 'understood, trusted, and supported each other' for decades, building an 'unbreakable traditional friendship.' He also expressed a desire to work together to forge a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future.
For his part, Prime Minister Sharif described the two countries as 'iron brothers' with an 'unparalleled' relationship. He arrived in Beijing accompanied by Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, who has played a central role in mediation talks between the United States and Iran.
Sharif stated: 'The world is going through a crucial time. Everything is moving in the right direction. I thank China for its support in promoting peace.' According to Chinese state media, Xi Jinping commended Islamabad's constructive role in mediating in the Middle East.
Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary between the U.S. and Iran, hosting direct talks last month although no long-term deal was reached. China has played a quieter role, facilitating phone calls and meetings with Gulf officials. Beijing said it will work with Pakistan to 'make positive contributions to the early restoration of peace and stability in the Middle East.'
In March, the two countries proposed a five-point initiative calling for peace negotiations and the restoration of normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway that handles about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas.
