Islamabad, August 30, 2025 – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif departed for China on a six-day official visit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking a significant step in reinforcing the Pakistan-China strategic partnership.

During this visit, the Prime Minister will attend the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State Summit in Tianjin and take part in the 80th-anniversary military parade in Beijing, commemorating the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (World Anti-Fascist War).


P.M Shehbaz Sharif in China - SCO Summit
P.M Shehbaz Sharif in China - SCO Summit


Key Agendas of the Visit


High-Level Meetings with Chinese Leadership:


PM Shehbaz will hold bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.

Talks will cover political trust, regional security, defense cooperation, and economic integration.


Focus on CPEC Phase-II (CPEC 2.0):


Advancing the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a priority.

Trade and Investment Promotion:


The Prime Minister will meet leading Chinese business figures.

He will also deliver a keynote at the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference, aiming to attract 
Chinese investment in energy, IT, agriculture, and infrastructure.



SCO Summit Participation:


Pakistan will present its vision for regional connectivity, counterterrorism cooperation, and sustainable economic growth.

The summit provides an opportunity to engage with other regional leaders on evolving geopolitical dynamics.


Strategic Significance

This visit underscores:


"All-weather" partnership – Pakistan and China reaffirming their strategic, political, and economic ties.

Regional cooperation – Strengthening Pakistan’s role within the SCO framework.

Economic revival focus – Positioning Pakistan to benefit from Chinese investments under CPEC 2.0 at a time when Islamabad seeks financial stability.

Geopolitical importance – Engagement comes amid shifting global alignments in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.


FAQ's

Q1: Why is Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visiting China in August 2025?
He is attending the SCO Heads of State Summit, the 80th-anniversary parade in Beijing, and holding high-level meetings to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly under CPEC Phase-II.

Q2: What is CPEC Phase-II (CPEC 2.0)?
It refers to the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, focusing on industrial zones, digital economy, agriculture modernization, and renewable energy projects.

Q3: How important is this visit for Pakistan’s economy?
Very important. Pakistan seeks foreign direct investment (FDI), infrastructure development, and enhanced trade opportunities from China to stabilize its economy.

Q4: Will Shehbaz Sharif meet Chinese business leaders?
Yes, he will attend the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference and meet top Chinese business executives to encourage trade and investment.

Q5: What is the broader geopolitical context of the visit?
The visit comes amid regional tensions and global power shifts, with Pakistan positioning itself closer to China while balancing relations with other international partners.