Xi Jinping calls Pakistan ‘iron friend’, says China will always prioritise ties with Islamabad

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday reaffirmed Beijing’s strong strategic partnership with Pakistan during high-level discussions with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, describing ties between the two countries as an “unbreakable traditional friendship.”

According to pool reports released after the meeting, Xi told Sharif that China continues to prioritise relations with Pakistan as a key component of its neighbourhood diplomacy strategy.

“China and Pakistan have forged an unbreakable traditional friendship,” Xi reportedly said during the talks, while also referring to the Pakistani Prime Minister as an “old friend.”

The Chinese President further appreciated Pakistan’s “constructive role” in efforts linked to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, according to official briefing details shared after the meeting.

The talks come at a time of heightened geopolitical activity across Asia and the Middle East, with Beijing continuing to strengthen strategic partnerships in the region through economic, diplomatic and security cooperation initiatives.

China and Pakistan maintain one of Asia’s closest bilateral partnerships, often described by officials from both countries as an “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.” Beijing remains Islamabad’s largest defence supplier and a major economic partner through projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The meeting between Xi and Sharif also comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by China to increase its influence in West Asia and position itself as a mediator in regional conflicts. Beijing has in recent years played a visible role in facilitating dialogue among regional powers and supporting diplomatic engagement in the Middle East.

Analysts say Xi’s remarks underline China’s continued strategic commitment to Pakistan despite evolving geopolitical tensions in South Asia and growing competition between global powers in the Indo-Pacific region.

The two sides are also believed to have discussed economic cooperation, infrastructure development, security coordination and regional connectivity during the meeting. Pakistan has been seeking additional Chinese investment and financial support amid ongoing economic challenges and efforts to stabilise its economy.

Relations between Beijing and Islamabad have remained particularly close in defence cooperation, infrastructure financing and regional diplomacy. China has repeatedly backed Pakistan on multiple international platforms, while Islamabad has strongly supported Beijing on issues involving Taiwan, Xinjiang and regional security matters.

Xi’s latest remarks are expected to reinforce perceptions of deepening China-Pakistan strategic alignment amid shifting regional and global political dynamics.