Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reached Tianjin on an official visit to China, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Adviser Tariq Fatemi.

The visit carries strong diplomatic and economic significance for Pakistan as it seeks to deepen ties with China and regional partners.

Upon reaching Tianjin, he was warmly received by Sun Meijun, the minister and secretary of the CPC Committee of the General Administration of Customs of China; the chairman of the Standing Committee of the Tianjin Municipal People’s Congress and Party Secretary Yu Yunlin; Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zedong, and Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi.

The premier will attend and address the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, where he is expected to present Pakistan’s position on peace efforts, regional connectivity, sustainable development, and the challenges posed by climate change.

PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Visit to China
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At President Xi Jinping’s invitation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif left Lahore for Tianjin on an official visit, accompanied by Deputy PM/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Adviser Tariq Fatemi.

He… pic.twitter.com/iQVzsQXS8w
— Eagle Eye (@zarrar_11PK) August 30, 2025

He will also hold sideline meetings with world leaders, reinforcing Pakistan’s role as an active voice for regional cooperation and stability.

Key engagements in Beijing

Following the SCO sessions, the PM will travel to Beijing, where he will join the 80th anniversary commemorations of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance.

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In Beijing, Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. These discussions will focus on strengthening the Pakistan-China strategic partnership, particularly in the fields of trade, investment, and infrastructure development.

Business-to-business conference

A major focus of the visit will be economic diplomacy. The prime minister will chair the second Business-to-Business (B2B) Investment Conference and meet with heads of leading Chinese companies to explore new avenues to strengthen trade and investment relations between Pakistan and China.

He will invite investors to take advantage of Pakistan’s pro-business policies, emphasizing opportunities in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology sectors under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.

PM's message before leaving for China

In a post on his official X account, PM Shehbaz called his trip "historic". He added that he would attend the SCO Summit in Tianjin as well as the Victory Ceremony marking the defeat of fascism in World War II.

“I look forward to meeting the Chinese President and other world leaders,” he said. Highlighting the importance of bilateral ties, Shehbaz described China as Pakistan’s strategic partner, adding that discussions will focus on further strengthening and deepening relations.

“China has always been a steadfast friend, standing with us through every challenge and in all seasons,” he said. “We will continue to walk the path of progress together with China, guided by peace, mutual trust, and shared prosperity,"

Departing on a historic visit to China! Will participate in the SCO Council of Heads of State Meeting in Tianjin and attend the 80th anniversary of the victory over Fascism in WWII in Beijing. I look forward to meeting H.E. President Xi Jinping and other world leaders to further… pic.twitter.com/lCD5ewH2pE
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) August 30, 2025

Dar emphasises Pakistan-China trust

Ahead of the summit, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to its “iron friendship” with China, calling it a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the region.

Ahead of Pakistan’s participation in the SCO Heads of State meetings, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif @CMShehbaz in Tianjin and Beijing, I shared Pakistan’s perspective on @CGTNOfficial’s Global South Voices, highlighting the depth of Pak–China ties and the… pic.twitter.com/0sb3fzdwxU
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) August 30, 2025

Speaking on CGTN’s Global South Voices, Dar highlighted the SCO as a vital platform for security, trade, energy, and connectivity, noting that its role has become increasingly important in today’s multipolar world.