China and Pakistan have agreed on a comprehensive Action Plan for 2025–2029 to deepen their All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and advance an even closer China–Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era. The plan was concluded during Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China from 30 August to 4 September 2025, at the invitation of President Xi Jinping, on the margins of the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of State meeting and commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
During the visit, Prime Minister Sharif held talks with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, reviewing bilateral ties and exchanging views on key regional and international issues. Both sides reaffirmed that China and Pakistan are time-tested neighbors, trusted friends, and iron-clad partners whose relationship transcends geopolitical shifts and enjoys broad public support in both countries. They agreed that attempts to undermine this partnership would fail, and that its strategic relevance has grown amid global changes unfolding at an unprecedented pace.
Political Trust and Strategic Coordination
The Action Plan prioritizes high-level political guidance, including frequent leader-level interactions and coordinated planning for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026. It expands parliamentary exchanges, institutionalized foreign-ministry consultations, and cooperation among political parties, with plans to convene the Second China–Pakistan Political Parties Forum and CPEC political consultations in 2026.
Both sides reiterated firm support for each other’s core interests. Pakistan reaffirmed its one-China principle, opposition to “Taiwan independence,” and support for China on Xinjiang, Xizang (Tibet), Hong Kong, and the South China Sea. China reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national development. The two countries also committed to close coordination on global initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Civilization Initiative, and the Global Governance Initiative.
High-Quality Belt and Road Cooperation and CPEC
Reaffirming the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as the flagship of bilateral cooperation and a pioneering Belt and Road project, both sides agreed to align CPEC’s Five Corridors (Growth, Livelihoods, Innovation, Green, Openness) with Pakistan’s URAAN Pakistan Program and 5Es framework (Exports; E-Pakistan; Environment & Climate; Energy & Infrastructure; Equity, Ethics & Empowerment). The focus will be on high-quality development and high-level security, combining landmark infrastructure with “small and beautiful” livelihood projects.
Key priorities include advancing industrial parks and SEZs (including Karachi and Islamabad), encouraging mining and mineral cooperation, promoting agricultural modernization (seed technology, drip irrigation, mechanization), expanding marine economy and offshore oil and gas cooperation, and strengthening Gwadar Port as a regional connectivity hub linked to the New Gwadar International Airport.
Connectivity projects will proceed prudently, including Karakoram Highway II (Thakot–Raikot) realignment and a sustainable plan for ML-1 railway upgrade, with openness to third-party participation. Energy cooperation will focus on efficiency, capacity building, and better power-system management. A new Innovation Corridor will promote IT, AI, 5G, cloud computing, satellite internet, and fiber-optic connectivity.
Trade, Finance, and Business Links
The two countries committed to expanding trade under Phase-II of the China–Pakistan Free Trade Agreement, improving market access, modernizing customs through single-window connectivity, and maintaining year-round operations at Khunjerab–Sost, including a “green channel” for agro-products. China will continue financial support within its capacity, while both sides strengthen cooperation on regional and multilateral financial platforms and encourage B2B partnerships, investment forums, and value-chain integration.
Science, Technology, Space, and Human Capital
Cooperation will deepen in science and technology, with joint laboratories for disaster prevention, climate research, new energy, AI, medicine, and agriculture. Talent exchanges will expand via fellowships and scholarships, while the Space Cooperation Outline (2021–2030) will advance satellite applications, lunar and deep-space exploration, astronaut training, and consideration of a Pakistan Space Center. China will provide 3,000 study and training opportunities to Pakistan between 2025 and 2029.
Security, Counter-Terrorism, and Rule of Law
Recognizing the critical role of defense cooperation in regional stability, both sides will sustain high-level military exchanges, joint training, and technology cooperation. They committed to zero tolerance for terrorism, enhanced counter-terrorism capacity building, protection of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan, and stronger legal and judicial cooperation. Anti-corruption collaboration, including fugitive repatriation and asset recovery, will advance under multilateral frameworks and the Clean Silk Road initiative.
People-to-People Exchanges
The Action Plan expands cooperation in education, youth, culture, media, think tanks, publishing, film and television, sports, civil aviation, heritage protection, and environmental cooperation. Student and academic exchanges will increase, youth programs under the BRI will continue, and media and think-tank collaboration will be strengthened to tell the story of China–Pakistan friendship to wider audiences.
Multilateral Coordination and Regional Peace
China and Pakistan reaffirmed commitment to true multilateralism, the UN-centered international system, and the WTO-based trading system. They emphasized peaceful resolution of disputes, stability in South Asia, and a just settlement of Jammu and Kashmir in line with the UN Charter and relevant resolutions. Both sides pledged close coordination within the SCO, supported Pakistan’s UN Security Council role (2025–2026), called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, backed Palestinian self-determination and a Two-State solution, and committed to joint action on climate change under the Paris Agreement. They will also coordinate on Afghanistan, urging inclusive governance, counter-terrorism action, and regional integration.
Conclusion
The 2025–2029 Action Plan provides a detailed roadmap to elevate China–Pakistan relations across politics, economy, security, science, and people-to-people ties. Anchored in mutual trust and shared development, it positions the partnership as a stabilizing force for regional peace and a model for building a community with a shared future among neighboring countries.
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