Joint statement demands militant groups including TTP, ETIM should not be allowed to use any territory to threaten regional security Shehbaz Sharif assures full support to Chinese companies for business expansion.
Beijing/ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and China agreed to accelerate work on major infrastructure, industrial and connectivity projects under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded a four-day visit to China focused on expanding strategic, economic and security cooperation.
In a joint statement issued Tuesday after meetings between PM Sharif, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, the two sides pledged to “promote the high-quality development of the upgraded version of CPEC 2.0” and strengthen coordination on regional and international issues.
The agreement reflects Islamabad’s broader push to reposition CPEC beyond traditional infrastructure financing toward industrial cooperation, manufacturing, agriculture, technology and regional trade connectivity as Pakistan seeks long-term economic modernization and export-led growth.
Both countries agreed to “move faster to build an even closer China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era,” describing the relationship as carrying “even more strategic importance and relevance” amid shifting regional and global dynamics.
The statement said the two sides would advance the Karakoram Highway realignment project “in a phased and orderly manner,” expand the role of Gwadar Port as a regional connectivity hub and strengthen land connectivity through the Khunjerab Pass.
China and Pakistan also welcomed third-party participation in CPEC projects “under the model agreed upon by China and Pakistan.”
The two countries agreed to deepen cooperation in industrial parks, mining, oil and gas exploration, digital economy, artificial intelligence, finance, information technology and energy. Both sides also committed to strengthening industrial supply chains and expanding cooperation in scientific and technological innovation.
China agreed to support Pakistan’s agricultural modernization efforts and facilitate market access for “more high-quality Pakistani agricultural products” following the completion of a Chinese training program for 1,000 Pakistani agricultural technicians.
The joint statement highlighted expanding educational, cultural and scientific exchanges, including plans for two Pakistani astronauts to train in China.
“China welcomes two Pakistani astronauts to come to China for training and looks forward to a Pakistani astronaut becoming the first foreign astronaut for the early entrance into the China Space Station,” the statement said.
On security cooperation, the two sides agreed to establish a “China-Pakistan Security Partnership,” expand military and counter-terrorism cooperation and strengthen security measures for Chinese personnel and projects operating in Pakistan.
The statement said both countries opposed “double standards on counter-terrorism” and agreed that militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM), should not be allowed to use any territory to threaten regional security.
Pakistan reaffirmed support for China’s positions on Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea, while Beijing reiterated support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and development priorities.
The two countries also reiterated support for resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute peacefully in accordance with United Nations resolutions and bilateral agreements.
During the visit, the two sides signed multiple cooperation agreements across various sectors, according to the statement.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to further strengthening Pak-China cooperation in agriculture, science, innovation, and rural transformation.
He was addressing a workshop on Pak-China agricultural cooperation in Beijing.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan seeks enhanced Chinese cooperation in the field of agriculture.
Stressing the need to revitalize Pakistan’s agricultural research centres, he said transformation in agriculture is vital for a better future and youth empowerment.
Shehbaz Sharif proposed sending one thousand fresh agriculture graduates from all provinces of Pakistan to Chinese universities for refresher courses and modern training in advanced areas of agriculture.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says Pakistan will extend full support to Chinese companies for the promotion and expansion of their businesses and further strengthen economic, trade, and technological ties between the two countries.
He was addressing a ceremony during his visit to the headquarters of leading Chinese technology company, IBI Corporation, in Beijing.
During his address, he underscored the importance of strengthening Pakistan-China economic and commercial cooperation, promoting bilateral trade and investment, and enhancing institutional linkages between the business communities of the two countries. He noted that the deepening of such ties is a cornerstone of the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
The Prime Minister assured the company of all possible facilitation for the growth of its business activities in Pakistan.
He stated that under CPEC phase two, Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology are among Pakistan’s four most important priority programmes that the government is pursuing on a fast-track basis.
Addressing the young participants present in the ceremony, he described them as talented entrepreneurs and experts in their respective fields, adding that government of Pakistan is undertaking extensive measures to provide technical training and skills development opportunities to young people of Pakistan.
He said youth is our future and Pakistan-China cooperation would further strengthen through their close relations.
The Prime Minister further said that under CPEC phase two, vast investment opportunities exist in Special Economic Zones.
Inviting Chinese investors to visit the first Special Economic Zone near Port Qasim in Karachi, he said that the project spans over 6,000 acres and is a highly promising initiative where modern infrastructure and facilities will be provided.
Earlier, upon his arrival at IBI Corporation, the Prime Minister was received by Party Secretary of Fengtai District Beijing, Wang Shaofeng along with the President of IBI Mr Qian Xiaojun.
Over one hundred fifty companies and their representatives attended the thematic meeting about cross border industrial belt practices and further promoting China-Pakistan industrial collaboration.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said it is our shared responsibility to nurture new branches of time- tested Pakistan-China friendship so that future generations inherit this relationship even stronger than what was envisioned by our forefathers.
He was addressing a ceremony in Beijing as part of the celebrations to mark 75th anniversary of the establishment of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan-China relations have reached a high point where one cannot match or find a befitting parallel to match these great relations.
He said the tree of Pakistan-China friendship has deep rooted, giving shadows and has born very sweet fruits. He said this is the finest hour of the two countries friendship.
Shehbaz Sharif said these relations were carved out with the great commitment, devotion and dedication by great leaders of China and Pakistan over the last more than seven decades. He said today, we are like two souls and one heart and our hearts beat together.
