Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, for what the Chinese Foreign Ministry described as an “important high-level exchange” between the two countries as they mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The visit focuses on advancing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0, a next-phase development plan emphasizing industrialization, agriculture modernization, and technology cooperation.
During his stay, Sharif is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang to discuss bilateral trade, investment, and regional stability. The CPEC 2.0 framework, announced in 2025, aims to expand beyond infrastructure into sectors like renewable energy, information technology, and manufacturing, with a projected investment of $10 billion over the next five years, according to Pakistani officials.
The visit also commemorates the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations, established on May 21, 1951. Both sides are expected to sign several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) covering economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and counterterrorism efforts. The trip underscores the enduring strategic partnership between the two nations, often described as an “all-weather friendship.”
