Pakistan and China have reached a “new broad consensus” to strengthen their strategic partnership, pushing forward joint economic corridor projects and transforming Gwadar Port into a regional connectivity hub, according to a joint statement released Tuesday by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.
The statement came as Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded a visit to China, with Islamabad seeking investment while facing tensions with Afghanistan, and also acting as a mediator in the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
The two sides agreed to upgrade the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), by upgrading the 1,300-km Karakoram Highway and developing Pakistan’s Gwadar Port. The agreements were signed following meetings between Prime Minister Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping as well as Premier Li Qiang in Beijing.
Pakistan pledged concrete steps to strengthen security and cooperation to ensure the safety of Chinese workers and investment projects inside Pakistan — a major concern for Beijing after attacks targeting its citizens and facilities.
The two nations also concurred on the importance of promoting a multipolar world, while opposing unilateral actions by other countries.
China acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts in brokering a temporary ceasefire in the US-Israel-Iran conflict. Both sides reaffirmed support for the early adoption of a five-point initiative to restore Middle East peace, stating their readiness to contribute positively to that effort.
Pakistan also reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China principle, calling Taiwan — an island under self-governed administration, but claimed by China — an “inalienable” part of China, and opposing any form of Taiwanese independence. Taiwan rejected the statement, saying only its people can decide their future.
Pakistan also welcomed China’s efforts to promote dialogue with Afghanistan. Both sides condemned the use of territory by groups such as the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and the Turkistan Islamic Party to threaten regional security or launch attacks.
