China and Pakistan have reaffirmed their opposition to unilateral actions concerning the Kashmir dispute, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in South Asia. This was announced in a joint statement at the conclusion of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s four-day visit to China on May 26, 2026.
The statement, released simultaneously in Beijing and Islamabad, highlighted the countries’ readiness to cooperate on trans-boundary water resources and reiterated the need to resolve the Kashmir issue peacefully, in accordance with the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions.
The joint stance comes in the context of India’s 2019 decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, and the subsequent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India during military tensions in May 2025.
Both nations agreed to accelerate projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0 and transform Gwadar into a regional connectivity hub. They also pledged to enhance defense and security cooperation, with China supporting Pakistan’s position on various geopolitical issues.
The visit culminated in agreements to expand cooperation in multiple sectors, including artificial intelligence, space technology, and regional diplomacy. China also committed to training Pakistani astronauts, marking a significant step in their space collaboration.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, May 27, 2026
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
