Chinese President Xi Jinping has described ties with Pakistan as an “unbreakable” friendship during talks with visiting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing, as both countries moved to reinforce their “all-weather” strategic partnership.

The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People, where Xi referred to Sharif as an “old friend” and said China and Pakistan had consistently supported and trusted each other over decades.

He said China would continue prioritising relations with Pakistan in its neighbourhood diplomacy, regardless of global political changes.

Deepening “All-Weather” Partnership

China and Pakistan describe their relationship as an “all-weather strategic partnership,” reflecting deep cooperation in trade, infrastructure and security.

Xi said both countries should work towards building a closer China–Pakistan community with a shared future and further strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.

Sharif, in response, described China and Pakistan as “iron brothers” and said their relationship remained “next to none.”

Regional Security and Diplomacy

The talks also came amid ongoing regional instability and shifting diplomatic alignments in South Asia and the Middle East.

Pakistan’s military chief Asim Munir also accompanied Sharif during engagements in the region, including recent visits to Iran.

Xi reportedly acknowledged Pakistan’s role in regional diplomatic efforts and praised its constructive engagement in supporting peace initiatives.

Balancing Relations With Major Powers

Pakistan continues to maintain close ties with China while also managing evolving relations with the United States, adding complexity to its foreign policy positioning.

China and Pakistan have also previously issued joint initiatives calling for dialogue, maritime stability, and peace in strategically important regions such as the Strait of Hormuz.

(with inputs from Reuters)