PM Shehbaz at SCO Summit in China

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 29, 2025 – Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif is heading to China from August 30 to September 4 for a critically important summit and high-level engagements, including a meeting with President Xi Jinping.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit China for the SCO summit and bilateral meetings.

• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend the 25th SCO Council of Heads of State Summit in Tianjin.
• He is scheduled to meet with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
• The prime minister will also attend a military parade in beijing and interact with Chinese business leaders.

Sharif to Engage with Top Leaders and Business Community in China

The prime minister’s visit is aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s “All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” with China.

Sharif’s itinerary includes attending the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State Summit in Tianjin. The summit, scheduled from August 31 to September 2, is expected to be the largest since the SCO’s inception in 2001. This gathering brings together leaders from across Eurasia, the Middle East, South asia, and Southeast Asia.

A key highlight will be Sharif’s participation in a military parade in Beijing, marking the 80th anniversary of the World’s Anti-Fascist War. He will join President Xi and other world leaders for this commemoration.

Did you know? – The SCO originally consisted of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It was founded as a security-focused institution to address regional terrorism and border disputes.

The prime minister is also set to meet with prominent Chinese businessmen and executives. These interactions are designed to boost trade, investment, and economic ties between the two nations.Sharif will also address the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference in beijing.

According to the Foreign Office, these high-level exchanges are crucial for advancing the second phase of the China-pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and for maintaining ongoing dialog on critical regional and global issues.

Pro tip: – Pakistan views CPEC as vital for its economic development. The second phase focuses on industrial cooperation, agricultural modernization, and digital connectivity.

The summit’s theme, “Upholding the shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move,” underscores its focus on regional security, economic cooperation, and trade. Discussions are anticipated to shape the SCO’s long-term strategic direction.

The SCO, initially a six-nation eurasian group, has grown substantially. It now comprises 10 permanent members and 16 dialogue and observer countries. Its mandate has broadened beyond security and counter-terrorism to encompass economic and military cooperation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif boarding a plane.

Reader question: – How do you think the SCO’s expansion will impact regional power dynamics and Pakistan’s role within the organization? Share your thoughts!

Why: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is traveling to China to strengthen Pakistan’s strategic partnership with China, participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, and commemorate the 80th anniversary of the World’s Anti-Fascist War. The visit aims to boost trade, investment, and regional cooperation.

who: Key figures involved include Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and leaders from the other nine SCO member states. Prominent Chinese businessmen and executives are also part of the engagements.

What: Sharif will attend the 2