ISLAMABAD — China applauded Pakistan for its facilitation of a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, as well as for hosting talks between American and Iranian officials aimed at reaching a durable resolution, in a joint statement issued on Tuesday.
The endorsement came amid Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s four‑day visit to Beijing, which began on May 23. Pakistan has intensified diplomatic engagement to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran, after joint U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran in February sparked a broader regional confrontation.
Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi have met with Iranian officials in Tehran this month, reportedly making progress toward a “final understanding” between Tehran and Washington.
“China appreciates Pakistan’s efforts in facilitating the US‑Iran ceasefire and hosting the Islamabad Talks,” the statement read, referring to the negotiations held in April.
Both countries expressed willingness to “jointly contribute to the early restoration of peace and stability” in the Middle East and reiterated support for proposals previously outlined by President Xi Jinping.
The statement also reaffirmed support for closer defense and security cooperation, including counter‑terrorism coordination and the protection of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan.
The two sides agreed to establish a “China‑Pakistan Security Partnership” and to expand military‑to‑military cooperation. Pakistan pledged to strengthen security measures for Chinese workers, projects, and institutions operating in the country.
China has repeatedly urged Pakistan to enhance security for Chinese nationals working on Belt and Road projects after a series of militant attacks, including suicide bombings targeting Chinese engineers and workers in Pakistan’s northwest and southern provinces.
CPEC 2.0
China and Pakistan remain close strategic allies, with Beijing investing billions in infrastructure, energy, and transport projects under the China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative. The newer phase, often called CPEC 2.0, focuses on industrial cooperation, mining, agriculture, and technology.
The joint statement noted both countries will advance the “high‑quality development” of CPEC’s upgraded phase, including industrial parks, mining cooperation, oil and gas exploration, agricultural investment, and the development of Gwadar Port as a regional connectivity hub.
Both parties also agreed to proceed with work on the realignment of the Karakoram Highway, a key overland trade route linking western China to northern Pakistan, to strengthen cross‑border connectivity through the Khunjerab Pass in the Himalayas, and to welcome third‑party participation in CPEC projects.
Pakistan reaffirmed its support for Beijing on matters such as Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea, reflecting Islamabad’s long‑standing backing for China on core national interests. China, in turn, reiterated its support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, according to the statement.
