Story perspectives

Pakistan PM, army chief meet Xi for mediation, investment.

5/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army chief Asim Munir met President Xi Jinping on May 25 2026 in Beijing over Pakistan’s mediation in Iran-U.S. war.
President Xi praised Pakistan’s role, called it ‘unbreakable’ and ‘all-weather’, and said Sharif met Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi to seek investment cooperation.
Experts said Pakistan looks to China because Beijing’s sway over Iran and dependence on Strait of Hormuz affect economy and security.

History

Historical Context

Pakistan first recognized the People’s Republic of China in 1951 and formalized diplomatic ties in March 1972, launching a strategic partnership that now underpins the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The 2024 meeting of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army chief Asim Munir with President Xi in Beijing echoes that alliance as they seek Chinese mediation in the Iran-U.S. conflict.

1 of 2

Story summary

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army chief Asim Munir met President Xi Jinping on May 25 2026 in Beijing over Pakistan’s mediation in Iran-U.S. war.
President Xi praised Pakistan’s role, called it ‘unbreakable’ and ‘all-weather’, and said Sharif met Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi to seek investment cooperation.
Experts said Pakistan looks to China because Beijing’s sway over Iran and dependence on Strait of Hormuz affect economy and security.

1 / 2