Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China has opened new opportunities for both countries and the region, setting a tone of cooperation and collaboration amidst ongoing regional tensions. In a joint statement issued following the conclusion of the visit, both nations reiterated their commitment to addressing shared challenges and fostering stability in South Asia. Prime Minister Sharif engaged in discussions with top Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, focusing on enhancing bilateral ties and bolstering Chinese investments in Pakistan amidst its economic challenges.
Chinese President Xi Jinping assured Pakistan of unwavering support, stating, “China will, as always, firmly support Pakistan and safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China has ignited hopes of enhanced cooperation between the two nations, despite prevailing regional tensions. During the trip, Prime Minister Sharif held crucial talks with top Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and boosting Chinese investments in Pakistan’s economy. The joint statement issued at the end of the visit highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolutions to disputes. A key highlight of the visit was Prime Minister Sharif’s announcement to send 1,000 Pakistani students to a leading Chinese agricultural facility for advanced training, demonstrating Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing its agricultural sector. Additionally, Prime Minister Sharif extended an invitation to the Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University to establish a campus in Pakistan, promising full government support. The visit also witnessed discussions on upgrading the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a vital component of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aimed at bolstering connectivity and trade between the two countries. While the visit aimed to secure crucial investments and funding for critical projects, its long-term impact remains uncertain amidst Pakistan’s ongoing economic challenges and its pursuit of an IMF bailout. Nonetheless, the visit underscores the significance of strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new avenues for cooperation across various sectors.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrapped up his five-day visit to China on 8TH June, marking a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. A highlight of the visit was Prime Minister Sharif’s announcement to send 1,000 Pakistani students to a top Chinese agricultural facility for advanced training, demonstrating Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing its agricultural sector through international collaboration. He also invited Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University to open a campus in Pakistan, promising full government support. During his tour of the Yangling Agricultural Demonstration Base in Xi’an, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s focus on increasing agricultural production and enhancing exports. His visit underscored the importance of innovation in agriculture and the potential for collaboration between Pakistan and China in this field. In addition to his engagements in Xi’an, other members of the Pakistani delegation continued to hold meetings with representatives of Chinese companies in Beijing. Pakistan’s investment minister Abdul Aleem Khan held discussions with CZK Huarui Group, leading to agreements on investments in artificial intelligence, technology, agriculture, healthcare, logistics, and infrastructure.
Prime Minister Sharif’s visit to China comes at a crucial time for Pakistan, as it seeks foreign investments to address its economic challenges and pursues enhanced trade opportunities. The visit signifies Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with China and exploring new avenues for cooperation across various sectors.
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing, emphasizing China’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The meeting comes at a crucial time for Pakistan as it prepares to present its annual budget and seeks a new loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to address its debt crisis. China’s significant investments in Pakistan, including infrastructure projects and economic corridors, highlight the deepening partnership between the two countries. President Xi urged increased focus on the joint construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) while emphasizing the importance of ensuring the security of Chinese projects in Pakistan. The discussions between the two leaders underscored the strategic importance of the China-Pakistan relationship and the potential for further cooperation in various sectors.
In a joint statement issued following the conclusion of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China, both nations reiterated their opposition to any unilateral actions aimed at resolving outstanding issues in South Asia, particularly the Kashmir dispute. During his four-day visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaged in discussions with top Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, focusing on enhancing bilateral ties and bolstering Chinese investments in Pakistan amidst its economic challenges.
The joint statement stressed the significance of maintaining peace and stability in the region, underlining the need for a peaceful resolution of all disputes in accordance with international law and relevant UN resolutions. Highlighting the Kashmir issue, the statement reiterated China’s stance that the dispute is a historical matter that should be resolved peacefully, in line with the UN Charter and bilateral agreements.
Pakistan briefed the Chinese side on the latest developments in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue through dialogue and diplomacy. The joint statement also showcased the robust military cooperation between China and Pakistan, underscoring their commitment to maintaining strategic mutual trust and cooperation in various defense-related areas. Moreover, the two nations signed 23 agreements and MOUs covering a wide range of areas including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), agriculture, infrastructure, industrial cooperation, and media. The visit underscored the deep-rooted strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors and promoting regional peace and stability.
Prime Minister Sharif expressed gratitude for China’s warm hospitality during his visit and extended an invitation to Chinese leaders to visit Pakistan and attend the upcoming meeting of the Council of the Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States. The visit also aimed to secure a $15 billion rollover facility for five years from China and persuade China to fund critical projects that Pakistan currently cannot afford, especially in the revival of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, the timing and outcomes of the visit raise questions about the future direction of bilateral relations and the effectiveness of economic cooperation efforts. Its a continued commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations amidst regional tensions, but its long-term impact remains to be seen in the context of evolving geopolitical dynamics.
About the Author: Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani, a Peshawar-based foreign affairs analyst and Secretary-General of the Pakistan China Friendship Association, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chapter, can be reached at [email protected].