President Xi Jinping expressed China’s readiness to strengthen cooperation and deepen strategic coordination with Pakistan during his meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing. The State Council of the People’s Republic of China highlighted the continuous deepening of the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, emphasizing its solid public support and broad prospects for development.
President Xi described China and Pakistan as good neighbors, friends, partners, and brothers, underscoring the strong bonds between the two nations. He reiterated China’s commitment to building an even closer community with Pakistan in the new era, aiming to contribute to regional peace, stability, development, and prosperity.
The timing of this meeting is significant as Pakistan prepares to present its annual budget and seeks a new loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Pakistan’s strategic location on the Arabian Sea holds importance for China, providing an alternative route to the Gulf of Aden and the Suez Canal, crucial for Chinese trade routes.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government is expected to seek approximately $6 billion under a new IMF program, with the debt owed to China being central to these discussions. China is one of Pakistan’s largest lenders, providing significant infrastructure financing and investments, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Chinese investments in Pakistan, predominantly in energy and logistics projects, underscore the deepening economic ties between the two countries. This reaffirmation of support from China signals a continued commitment to bilateral cooperation and shared development goals.
Furthermore, the meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reflects the enduring strength of the China-Pakistan relationship, which spans various fields including economic, strategic, and cultural cooperation. The commitment expressed by both leaders to deepen cooperation and enhance strategic coordination underscores the mutual trust and shared vision between the two nations.
As Pakistan navigates through economic challenges and pursues its development agenda, China’s continued support and partnership are instrumental in realizing the country’s goals of prosperity and stability. This meeting serves as a testament to the resilience of the China-Pakistan friendship and the unwavering commitment to advancing mutual interests in the region and beyond.
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