Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Chinese delegation, extending greetings to Xi Jinping and Li Qiang on 75th anniversary celebrations
By Pervaiz Mughal
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met a high-level Chinese parliamentary delegation in Islamabad on Thursday, in a carefully staged display of diplomatic continuity marking 75 years of Pakistan–China relations, as both sides reiterated longstanding political support and strategic alignment amid shifting regional dynamics.
The delegation, led by Cai Dafeng, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, was in Pakistan to attend commemorations of the milestone anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
The visit came at a time when Islamabad and Beijing have been seeking to reinforce their strategic partnership through political, economic and institutional engagement, particularly under the framework of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor.
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the Chinese delegation and conveyed what officials described as “warm greetings” to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, while also extending appreciation to the Chinese leadership and people on the occasion of the 75th anniversary.
Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s consistent support for China’s “core interests”, a formulation routinely used in bilateral diplomacy to signal alignment on sensitive issues, and expressed gratitude for Beijing’s continued backing of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to an official statement, the prime minister also highlighted China’s “constructive role” in promoting peace and stability across South Asia and the Middle East, a reference that comes as the region continues to face overlapping security tensions and diplomatic uncertainty. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional harmony and multilateral cooperation, positioning Islamabad as supportive of dialogue-based approaches in contrast to escalating geopolitical rivalries.
Cai Dafeng, for his part, conveyed goodwill from the Chinese leadership and underscored the importance Beijing attaches to its relationship with Pakistan, which both sides frequently describe as “all-weather” in character. Discussions also touched on strengthening institutional linkages between the two legislatures, with an emphasis on parliamentary exchanges and continued political dialogue.
The meeting unfolded against a backdrop of carefully choreographed symbolism, with both sides marking seven and a half decades of diplomatic relations that have evolved from early recognition to a deep strategic partnership.
