Chinese President Xi Jinping met Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing's Great Hall of the People on May 25. Both leaders described the bilateral relationship in positive terms and discussed cooperation in multiple sectors. The meeting was reported by Al Jazeera and Al-Monitor.
“China’s Xi praises ‘unbreakable’ Pakistan ties as Sharif visits Beijing”
Read at Al Jazeera →“Xi hails 'unbreakable' Pakistan ties, praises Iran peace efforts”
Read at Al-Monitor →No right-leaning sources covered this
The meeting reflects deepening South-South ties that counter U.S.-led strategies and prioritize economic cooperation with the Global South.
“Multipolar diplomacy and mutual development among developing nations.”
The alignment strengthens a strategic partner for China that could extend influence in South Asia and raise security concerns for the West.
“National-security risks tied to Pakistan's stability and nuclear status.”
The encounter illustrates elite-to-elite pacts between authoritarian states that favor state projects over individual rights and open markets.
“Risks of cronyism, surveillance tools and debt without citizen consent.”
The coverage accepts diplomatic rhetoric as evidence of deepening ties while omitting the lack of concrete outcomes and Pakistan's internal political drivers.
“Photo-op framing that overlooks stalled projects and Islamabad's multiple external channels.”
Ratings by MBFC