ISLAMABAD (special crosspondent) – The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Mr. Jiang Zaidong, held a formal meeting with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House on 27 July 2026. The high-level delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr. Syed Tauqir Shah, and Foreign Secretary Ambassador Amna Baloch.

Prime Minister Sharif expressed his warm regards and conveyed official greetings to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. During the discussions, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the enduring strength of the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, reflecting on his official visit to China earlier in May. He emphasized that both nations remain committed to the robust implementation of key bilateral agreements, which serve the mutual interests of their respective populations. This ongoing cooperation is critical as the two nations navigate broader diplomatic landscapes, similar to discussions held during recent high-level engagements such as when US House Representatives met COAS General Asim Munir at GHQ to discuss regional stability.

Review of Regional Developments

The meeting served as a platform to exchange perspectives on the evolving regional situation. The leaders reviewed critical developments across the Middle East, Afghanistan, and South Asia. These strategic consultations underscore the significance of Pakistan’s role in regional security, an area where the country continues to maintain a balanced outlook despite Netanyahu’s recent rejection of US pressure for a military withdrawal in regional conflicts.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Ambassador Jiang Zaidong expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for the meeting. He reiterated China’s classification of Pakistan as an “iron brother,” pledging continued support for the protection of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Ambassador further highlighted China’s commitment to bolstering Pakistan’s socio-economic development, reinforcing the vision of shared prosperity that defines their diplomatic and economic roadmap.