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Pakistan and China celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on May 21. The events held around these celebrations underscore that the relationship between the two countries is entering a new phase characterised by greater financial integration, expanding sub-national cooperation and renewed geopolitical cooperation.
What began as a strategic and political partnership has gradually evolved into one of Pakistan’s most critical economic relationships. Today, China is one of Pakistan’s largest bilateral creditors, a major investor in infrastructure and energy, and an increasingly important source of financial stability for Islamabad during periods of economic stress.
Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is visiting China these days in a trip that focuses heavily on trade, industrial cooperation, financial connectivity and the future direction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“The visit is expected to further strengthen and deepen political trust, strategic coordination, expand political cooperation and consolidate the long-standing friendship between the two countries,” a Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman said at a weekly media briefing.
