Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Tianjin, China, on Saturday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where he will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and other global leaders. His visit comes alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first trip to China in seven years, making this summit a significant diplomatic event in the region.
A “Historic” Visit for Pakistan
Calling his visit “historic,” PM Shehbaz shared on X that he looks forward to strengthening Pakistan’s “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” with China and engaging with leaders from other SCO member states. The premier emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to regional cooperation, multilateralism, and shared prosperity.
Shehbaz is accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. During the two-day summit, he is expected to deliver Pakistan’s perspective on pressing global and regional issues, including peace, stability, and sustainable development.
Key Focus: CPEC Phase-II and Business Cooperation
A major highlight of PM Shehbaz’s visit is the formal launch of CPEC Phase-II, which will focus on industrial cooperation after delays of nearly five years. According to the government, this phase will prioritize high-yield agriculture, modern irrigation technologies, and industrial projects to enhance Pakistan’s economic growth.
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to attend a Pakistan-China Business-to-Business Investment Conference in Beijing, where he will meet Chinese business leaders to discuss trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
High-Level Engagements
During his stay, PM Shehbaz will hold bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The discussions are expected to cover multiple aspects of Pakistan-China relations, including trade, defense, infrastructure, and regional security.
He will also attend a military parade in Beijing alongside President Xi and other world leaders to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the World’s Anti-Fascist War.
Modi’s Return After 7 Years
On the other hand, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in China for the first time since 2018. His visit follows a recent trip to Japan, which pledged a $68 billion investment in India.
Relations between China and India have been tense, particularly after the deadly border clash in 2020. However, a gradual thaw began last year when Modi met Xi Jinping at a summit in Russia. His participation in the SCO this year signals renewed diplomatic engagement.
Global Leaders at the SCO
The SCO Summit in Tianjin will bring together over 20 world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Leaders from Central Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia will also participate, along with representatives of international organizations such as the United Nations.
The summit will focus on security, economic cooperation, energy, connectivity, and cultural exchanges under the SCO framework.
Pakistan’s Position at the SCO
Pakistan views the SCO as a crucial platform for strengthening regional cooperation. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, ahead of the summit, highlighted that Pakistan’s partnership with China is rooted in trust, mutual development, and strategic alignment.
He noted that initiatives like China’s Belt and Road, Global Security Initiative, and Global Development Initiative play a transformative role in fostering economic integration and inclusive growth across Asia.
Why This Matters
The 2025 SCO summit comes at a time of shifting global alliances. With the launch of CPEC Phase-II, Pakistan is set to boost its economic and industrial profile. Meanwhile, Modi’s return after a seven-year absence adds a new dynamic to the geopolitical landscape, where China, India, Pakistan, and Russia are all vying for greater influence.
