Pakistan, China Launch Next Phase of CPEC with Five New Corridors
APP | Updated: September 2, 2025
Beijing – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday reaffirmed their resolve to take the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into its next stage of development, unveiling five new corridors to expand cooperation in energy, trade, connectivity, and socio-economic growth.
The meeting, held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, was marked by a strong emphasis on the “unique and time-tested” Pakistan-China partnership. Both leaders agreed that this bond should be further strengthened through practical projects under the upgraded CPEC framework.
PM Shehbaz highlighted Pakistan’s determination to work closely with Beijing, describing CPEC as the flagship project of President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He said the second phase of CPEC would transform economic landscapes, create jobs, and bring prosperity to the entire region.
The Prime Minister also lauded China’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and socio-economic development, stressing that CPEC would pave the way for building a shared future of peace and prosperity.
President Xi assured Shehbaz Sharif that China would continue supporting Pakistan in every area of economic growth and modernization, particularly as CPEC Phase-II gets underway. He welcomed Islamabad’s commitment to making the project a success.
Recent Developments in CPEC
Last month, both nations reaffirmed their “iron brotherhood” during the 6th Strategic Dialogue between Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two sides reviewed their comprehensive relations, from trade and people-to-people exchanges to upgraded CPEC projects.
At that meeting, Dar underlined the “complete unanimity” between Islamabad and Beijing on key bilateral, regional, and global matters, while Wang Yi pledged China’s full support in advancing CPEC 2.0 with high-quality development.
Broader Cooperation & Shared Goals
PM Shehbaz also praised President Xi’s visionary leadership, which has guided China’s modernization and global influence. He assured that Pakistan takes pride in China’s progress and stands ready to partner in this journey.
He congratulated President Xi on the successful hosting of the SCO Heads of State Summit in Tianjin and extended good wishes on the 80th anniversary of the World’s Anti-Fascist War commemorations.
Shehbaz also expressed Pakistan’s backing for Xi’s global initiatives, including the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), and Global Governance Initiative (GGI) — all of which, he said, contribute to global peace, security, and sustainable development.
The Prime Minister extended an invitation to President Xi to visit Pakistan next year, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
During his ongoing visit to Beijing, PM Shehbaz is also expected to attend the World War Against Fascism anniversary celebrations and deliver remarks at the China-Pakistan Business-to-Business Conference.