Pakistan and China formally established diplomatic relations on May 21, 1951, but the foundation was laid earlier when Pakistan became the first Islamic country and the third non-communist state to officially recognize the People's Republic of China on January 4, 1950, shortly after its founding on October 1, 1949. Pakistan's first official delegation visited Beijing in January 1950, paving the way for embassy exchanges and the establishment of formal ties the following year. In 1956, Pakistan's Prime Minister Hussein Shaheed Suharawardy and Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai signed the Treaty of Friendship between the two countries. Over the decades, this treaty has developed appreciably into an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.
Iron Brotherhood and CPEC
Today, Pakistan and China share a relationship frequently described as an "Iron Brotherhood." Anchored by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), this partnership is defined by deep bilateral trade, joint defense production, strategic coordination, and mutual diplomatic support on important issues, including Kashmir and Taiwan. The ever-progressing friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries continue to evolve, with much to discuss in future forums.
Significant Developments in May 2026
May 2026 was an important month for Pakistan nationally, regionally, and internationally, marked by several significant developments. Across the country, the civil, military, and political leadership, as well as people from all walks of life, proudly celebrated the first anniversary of Maarka-e-Haq, commemorating the stunning defeat inflicted on ever-hostile India by Pakistan's armed forces. The army, air force, and navy had decisively responded to New Delhi's persistent hostilities following another false-flag Pahalgam operation and the consequent unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank and signed in Karachi in September 1960.
At the same time, Pakistan's civil and military leadership sincerely pursued mediation efforts, with the cooperation of friendly countries, for the restoration of peace in the region following the USA-Israel coalition's unprovoked attack on Iran. Against this regional backdrop, a milestone event was held in Islamabad on May 21, 2026, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. At the ceremony, the prime minister highlighted the ever-developing friendly relations between the two iron brother neighboring countries and the appreciative role of CPEC in Pakistan's overall development across various sectors.
CPEC 2.0 and Future Prospects
The first phase of CPEC, designed to foster industrialization, trade facilitation, regional connectivity, integration within global value chains, and socio-economic development, has been successfully completed. Brisk preparations are now underway for formally launching its second phase as CPEC 2.0 during 2026. After the ceremony in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid a four-day official visit to China preceding Eidul Azha celebrations, accompanied by key federal ministers. His visit followed President Asif Ali Zardari's five-day visit to China in the last week of April 2026, reflecting the continuity and intensity of high-level political engagement between the two countries.
The understandings reached between the top leaderships reflect Islamabad's broader push to reposition CPEC beyond traditional infrastructure financing towards industrial cooperation, manufacturing, agriculture, technology, trade, and regional connectivity. Pakistan is seeking long-term economic modernization and export-led growth, with CPEC 2.0 expected to play a central role. Both countries also agreed to move faster towards building an even closer China-Pakistan community with a mutually shared future in the new era.
Joint Statement and Strategic Alignment
A joint statement issued at the end of the prime minister's productive visit described the relationship as of greater strategic importance amid shifting regional and global dynamics. According to the statement, both sides would advance the Karakoram Highway realignment in a phased manner, expand the role of Gwadar Port as a regional connectivity hub, and strengthen land connectivity through the Khunjerab Pass. They also welcomed third-party participation in CPEC projects under the agreed model.
Pakistan reaffirmed its support for China's positions on Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea, while Beijing reiterated its support for Pakistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and development priorities. Both sides reiterated support for resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to China was productive and result-oriented, and it will surely further strengthen the strategic partnership and cooperation between the iron-clad brothers in the coming days, weeks, months, and years, particularly as both countries have pledged at the highest levels to move faster on CPEC 2.0 projects.
Muhammad Zahid Rifat is a Lahore-based freelance journalist, columnist, and retired Deputy Controller (News), Radio Pakistan, Islamabad. He can be reached at zahidriffat@gmail.com
