Xi reaffirms Pakistan as China’s diplomatic priority despite shifting global dynamics

Chinese President Xi Jinping met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing, according to Chinese state media, reaffirming the longstanding ties between the two countries and pledging deeper cooperation across multiple sectors.

During the meeting, President Xi described Prime Minister Shehbaz as his “old friend” and said China and Pakistan had forged an “unbreakable traditional friendship.” He stressed that Beijing prioritised its relations with Pakistan as part of its neighbourhood diplomacy and said ties with Islamabad would remain a top priority despite the changing international landscape.

The Chinese president also praised Pakistan’s “constructive and mediatory role” in efforts to promote peace in the Middle East. He said both countries should jointly oppose unilateral policies and “Cold War mentality” while strengthening coordination on regional and international issues.

Xi further emphasised the need for the two sides to advance high-level exchanges and expand broader security cooperation, underscoring China’s commitment to deepening strategic ties with Pakistan.

Pakistan says US-Iran mediation efforts making progress

PM Sharif also said that Pakistan was playing a “highly sincere role” in mediating between the United States and Iran, adding that diplomatic efforts were moving in a positive direction.

Speaking during delegation-level talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, the premier said considerable progress had already been made amid ongoing tensions and instability in the Gulf region.

According to state media, Shehbaz thanked the Chinese leadership for backing Pakistan’s peace efforts and endorsed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s four-point global security initiative, calling for collective international efforts to restore regional stability.

The prime minister also commended Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their diplomatic and strategic role in advancing the mediation process.

During the meeting, Shehbaz highlighted the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China relations, describing the ties as a historic friendship established by the founding leaders of both countries.

He also conveyed condolences over the recent coal mine gas explosion in China’s Shanxi province and expressed solidarity with the victims’ families.