NEW DELHI: Pakistan and China have reached a “new broad consensus” on further strengthening their strategic partnership, with both countries agreeing to deepen cooperation in infrastructure, trade, regional security, and connectivity projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The development came during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Beijing, where he held high-level talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.

According to a joint statement released after the meeting, both sides agreed to accelerate the high-quality development of CPEC, modernize the Karakoram Highway, and further develop Gwadar Port into a major regional connectivity and trade hub. The two countries also discussed expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, agriculture, energy, education, and industrial development.

China reaffirmed its support for Pakistan’s economic stability and strategic role in the region, while Pakistan reiterated its commitment to the “One China Policy” and expressed support for Beijing on issues related to Taiwan and regional sovereignty. Chinese President Xi Jinping described the relationship as an “unbreakable friendship,” while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called China and Pakistan “iron brothers.”

Security cooperation remained a major focus of the talks, particularly regarding the safety of Chinese workers and investments in Pakistan after repeated attacks targeting CPEC-related projects in recent years. Pakistan assured China of enhanced security measures to protect Chinese nationals and strategic infrastructure projects across the country.

The two nations also discussed regional and global developments, including the ongoing Middle East crisis and efforts to maintain peace in the Strait of Hormuz. China praised Pakistan’s diplomatic role in facilitating communication between Iran and the United States during recent ceasefire negotiations.

During the visit, Pakistani and Chinese companies reportedly signed cooperation agreements worth nearly $1.22 billion aimed at boosting investment, technology transfer, and industrial collaboration between the two countries.

Analysts believe the renewed strategic alignment between Beijing and Islamabad signals China’s continued long-term investment in South Asia and Pakistan’s growing dependence on Chinese economic and diplomatic support amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics.