KARACHI: China and Pakistan have agreed to deepen strategic cooperation and accelerate work on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, including plans to develop Gwadar port as a regional connectivity hub, according to a joint statement issued on Tuesday.
The statement followed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Beijing, where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The agreement comes as Pakistan seeks fresh investment and stronger regional connectivity while managing security concerns and diplomatic challenges in the region.
Both sides said they had reached a “new broad consensus” on strengthening ties and promoting the high-quality development of CPEC, a flagship project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. They also welcomed third-party participation in the corridor’s development under an agreed model.
Gwadar, roads and regional links
China and Pakistan agreed to strengthen road and port connectivity, with a focus on Gwadar port, the Khunjerab Pass and the Karakoram Highway, the main overland route linking the two countries.
The two governments said the planned cooperation would support regional trade and connectivity by improving infrastructure links between Pakistan, China and surrounding markets.
Pakistan also pledged targeted measures to improve security for Chinese workers, projects and investments. Security has remained a major concern for Beijing following repeated militant attacks targeting Chinese nationals and China-backed projects in Pakistan.
Regional diplomacy and security
The joint statement also referred to regional diplomatic issues, including Pakistan’s role in efforts linked to the temporary US-Iran ceasefire and talks in Islamabad. China said it appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and both countries reiterated support for an early adoption of a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace in the Middle East.
Pakistan reaffirmed its support for the one-China principle, describing Taiwan as an “inalienable” part of China and opposing any form of Taiwan independence. Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and says only its people can decide the island’s future.
Pakistan also welcomed China’s efforts to strengthen dialogue with Afghanistan. Both countries opposed the use of any territory by militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement, for activities that threaten regional security or cross-border stability.
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