Pakistan and China Reaffirm Strategic Partnership, Focus on CPEC Expansion
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Pakistan and China have underscored their commitment to a robust strategic cooperative partnership, with a particular emphasis on the timely implementation of projects within the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The reaffirmation came during a meeting between Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), on Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Strengthening Bilateral Economic Ties Through CPEC
Prime Minister Sharif acknowledged China’s consistent support for Pakistan, highlighting the crucial role of CPEC in bolstering bilateral economic relations. He stressed the importance of accelerating the next phase of CPEC projects to further strengthen these ties. According to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office, the premier emphasized this need during the meeting with Vice Minister Sun Haiyan.
“The prime minister appreciated China’s generous support for Pakistan, especially under CPEC,” the press release stated.
Diplomatic Overtures and a Milestone Year
Sharif extended his best wishes to President Xi Jinping and the Chinese leadership, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to its strategic partnership with China. He reiterated Pakistan’s firm adherence to the One China policy, signaling a continued dedication to diplomatic alignment. The prime minister also formally renewed his invitation for President Xi to visit Pakistan later in 2026, describing the year as a “milestone year” for both nations.
The significance of 2026 was further underscored by the fact that it marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. Sharif noted the positive momentum established earlier in the year with successful visits by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar to Beijing, and the interior minister to Shanghai. A visit by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to China is also anticipated in the coming days.
Deepening Party-to-Party Cooperation
Vice Minister Sun Haiyan expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed China’s dedication to strengthening its “long-standing and time-tested relationship” with Pakistan across all sectors. She congratulated Prime Minister Sharif on his efforts to foster economic and political stability within the country, noting the pride the Chinese people take in Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements. A senior official also praised Sharif’s leadership in uniting political forces to improve governance.
Emphasizing the importance of inter-party relations, the Chinese vice minister reiterated the Communist Party of China’s (CPC) commitment to deepening cooperation with Pakistan’s political parties through established institutional and inter-party mechanisms.
High-Level Attendance
The meeting was also attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi, Prime Minister’s Special Representative for China Zafaruddin Mahmood, and Foreign Secretary Amina Baloch, demonstrating the high level of importance placed on this diplomatic engagement.
The continued dialogue and commitment to collaboration between Pakistan and China signal a strong and enduring partnership poised for further growth and development in the years to come.
