Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif embarks on a six-day visit to China to attend the SCO Summit and strengthen bilateral ties.
On Saturday, August 30, 2025, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for China to attend the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State Summit in Tianjin, aiming to bolster Pakistan-China relations through high-level talks with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
Why it Matters
The visit underscores Pakistan’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with China, a key ally, while fostering regional cooperation through the SCO, which represents over 40% of the global population.
Strengthening Pakistan-China Ties
During his visit from August 30 to September 4, 2025, PM Shehbaz will engage in bilateral discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang to advance cooperation in trade, investment, and security. According to the Foreign Office, these talks aim to deepen the “All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” and advance Phase-II of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on X, the visit reflects Pakistan’s priority to enhance economic and strategic ties with China.
SCO Summit Agenda
The SCO Summit, themed “Upholding the Shanghai Spirit: SCO on the Move,” will focus on regional security, economic integration, and trade. Leaders from 10 member states, including Russia, India, and Iran, will discuss the organisation’s budget and long-term strategic direction. PM Shehbaz is expected to advocate for enhanced connectivity through projects like CPEC and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The summit will also see participation from global leaders such as Russia’s Vladimir Putin and India’s Narendra Modi.
Bilateral Engagements
On the sidelines, PM Shehbaz will meet Chinese business leaders and address the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference in Beijing. These engagements aim to attract investment in sectors like agriculture, IT, and industrialisation. The Foreign Office highlighted that the visit will mark the formal launch of CPEC-II, focusing on high-impact projects for sustainable development.
Commemorative Events
PM Shehbaz will attend a military parade in Beijing alongside President Xi to mark the 80th anniversary of the World’s Anti-Fascist War. This event underscores the historical ties between Pakistan and China, with both nations planning to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.
Regional Context
The SCO, comprising 10 member states and 16 observer and dialogue partners, is a critical platform for addressing regional challenges like terrorism and economic disparity. PM Shehbaz is expected to reiterate Pakistan’s stance on regional stability, particularly regarding Afghanistan, as highlighted in previous SCO summits. His address will likely echo Pakistan’s commitment to the “Shanghai Spirit” of mutual trust and cooperation.
Background
Pakistan joined the SCO as a full member in 2017 and has since played an active role, hosting the Council of Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad in October 2024. The CPEC, a flagship BRI project, has been central to Pakistan-China relations, with Phase-II focusing on industrial cooperation and regional connectivity. PM Shehbaz’s previous visits to China, including one in 2022, have strengthened bilateral ties, with China praising his “pragmatism and efficiency.”
What’s Next
As PM Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China for the SCO Summit 2025 unfolds, outcomes from his meetings with President Xi and other leaders will shape Pakistan’s economic and strategic trajectory, particularly through CPEC-II and enhanced regional cooperation.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 30th, 2025
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