PM Shehbaz’s China Visit to Include Discussions on Iran–US Situation and Regional Stability

Lahore, May 23, 2026 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for China on a four-day official visit aimed at deepening strategic cooperation, expanding CPEC Phase-II collaboration, and holding consultations on evolving regional and international developments, including the ongoing Iran–US situation.

The Prime Minister is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.

During the first leg of the visit in Hangzhou, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will meet the Party Secretary of Zhejiang Province and participate in a Pakistan-China business forum focused on enhancing cooperation between Pakistani and Chinese companies under CPEC Phase-II. Agreements and memorandums of understanding are also expected to be signed.

The Prime Minister will additionally hold meetings with CEOs of major Chinese companies and visit the headquarters of Alibaba Group to discuss cooperation in technology, digital economy, and investment sectors.

In the second phase of the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will travel to Beijing for meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The two sides are expected to review bilateral cooperation in political, economic, strategic, agricultural, technological, and investment sectors while also marking the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Diplomatic sources indicate that the evolving Iran–US tensions and wider Middle East security situation are also expected to come under discussion during the high-level meetings in Beijing. Pakistan and China have both publicly emphasized the importance of dialogue, de-escalation, and diplomatic engagement amid rising regional tensions.

The visit comes at a time when Pakistan is increasingly being viewed as an active diplomatic facilitator in efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Irn and the United States. Recent regional engagements, including Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit to Tehran and Pakistan’s broader diplomatic outreach, have added further significance to Islamabad’s consultations with Beijing on regional peace and stability.