China’s President Xi Jinping has once again reaffirmed his support for Pakistan’s economic growth, pledging deeper cooperation during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. The commitment comes at a crucial time as Pakistan looks to stabilize its economy and expand regional partnerships.
Xi emphasized that Beijing views Pakistan as a long-term partner in development, investment, and connectivity. He highlighted that stronger collaboration will help Pakistan overcome challenges while opening new opportunities for trade and infrastructure expansion.
During the meeting, both leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties, with a special focus on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Officials said that China’s support for Pakistan’s economic growth will remain central to joint projects in energy, transport, and digital infrastructure.
China’s Xi reaffirms support for Pakistan’s economic growth
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appreciated Beijing’s consistent backing. He stated that Pakistan’s economic growth depends not only on domestic reforms but also on the continued trust and partnership with China. The reaffirmation was seen as a strong signal of stability in Pakistan-China relations.
The visit was also covered by The Neutral, reporting that Shehbaz Sharif arrived in China for the SCO summit to hold key discussions with Xi on bilateral and multilateral cooperation (full report here).
Key highlights from the meeting included:
- Economic Cooperation: China assured continued investments in energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing.
- CPEC Expansion: Both sides agreed to accelerate progress on CPEC Phase II, focusing on industrial zones.
- Regional Connectivity: Leaders reaffirmed support for trade routes linking Central Asia with South Asia.
- Strategic Partnership: Both countries agreed to enhance defense and cultural exchanges alongside economic projects.
Analysts say China’s support for Pakistan’s economic growth could provide much-needed confidence to international investors. At a time when Pakistan is negotiating with global lenders and working on reforms, Beijing’s assurances carry weight for long-term development plans.
Xi stressed that cooperation between the two nations is not limited to economics but extends to security, cultural exchange, and shared responsibility for regional peace. “Pakistan’s prosperity is vital for the region,” he said, urging stronger collaboration within the SCO framework.
Observers believe this renewed commitment has the potential to strengthen Pakistan’s standing in South Asia. With China’s strategic support, Pakistan aims to create sustainable economic growth, attract foreign investment, and push forward with critical reforms.
