PM’s China visit to strengthen regional stability, economic cooperation: Analyst

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd May, 2026) Senior analyst and expert on Pakistan-China and Afghanistan affairs, Rashid Safi, on Saturday termed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China strategically important for promoting regional stability, economic cooperation and strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

Talking to APP, he said the visit was taking place at a significant time when Pakistan and China were celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations amid changing global geopolitical dynamics, economic challenges and regional security issues.

In this context, the visit is being viewed as a major effort to give a new direction to the future partnership between the two brotherly countries.

Rashid Safi said the visit was not limited to formal diplomacy; rather, its Primary objective was to achieve new progress in the fields of economy, investment, technology, media, information technology, industrial cooperation, agriculture, and regional connectivity.

He said that during the first phase of the visit, the Prime Minister will arrive in Hangzhou, where he will meet the leadership of Zhejiang Province. Hangzhou is currently regarded as one of China’s leading centers for advanced technology, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy.

The prime minister will also participate in a business forum aimed at promoting cooperation between Pakistani and Chinese companies, where several agreements and memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed. He further noted that the visit to the headquarters of Alibaba Group will be particularly significant, as Pakistan is striving to shift its economy toward digitalization, e-commerce, and IT exports.

He said that under CPEC 2.0, special focus is being placed on industrial zones, exports, employment opportunities for youth, agricultural reforms, technology transfer, and regional trade connectivity. Pakistan seeks to accelerate its economy through the relocation of Chinese industries, manufacturing, and investment, while China views Pakistan as an important economic, trade, and logistics hub in the region.

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According to Rashid Safi, global and regional developments will also be an important subject during the visit. In particular, discussions are expected on the US-Iran tensions, the situation in the middle East, the Arabian Sea, global energy supply, Afghanistan, and regional stability. He said that both Pakistan and China support dialogue, diplomacy, economic cooperation, and regional stability instead of war, and both countries believe that economic development, connectivity, and confidence-building can guarantee a better future for the people of the region.

He further stated that China’s development, discipline, and security system are now considered an example for the world. In various Chinese cities, both local citizens and foreign tourists enjoy an extremely safe environment. In many cities, people can leave their belongings in public places and return without concern, reflecting strong state trust, peace, and rule of law.

Public activities late into the night, the free movement of women and families, and the secure travel environment for foreigners all demonstrate the success of China’s state policies. This peace and stability, he added, form the foundation of China’s economic strength and global credibility.

Rashid Safi said that Pakistan-China friendship is not confined to diplomatic relations alone; both countries have always stood by each other in difficult times. This is why Pakistan-China ties are globally recognized as an “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.”

He added that the celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations reflect the commitment of both nations to continue moving forward together for shared development, regional stability, economic cooperation, and the vision of a better-connected Asia.