BEIJING: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has arrived in Beijing on an official visit to China, marking the beginning of high-level diplomatic engagements between the two close allies in 2026. According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar will co-chair the 7th Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on Sunday.
Upon arrival at the airport, Dar was received by China’s Special Representative on Afghanistan, Ambassador Yue Xiaoyong, along with Pakistan’s Ambassador to China and senior officials from the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing. His visit comes at a significant moment, as 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
The Foreign Office stated that Dar is visiting China at the invitation of Foreign Minister Wang Yi and is the first foreign dignitary to travel to the country in the new year. This gesture highlights the importance both nations place on their longstanding partnership and ongoing diplomatic coordination.
During his visit, the deputy prime minister will also participate in events launching the commemorations of 75 years of Pakistan-China diplomatic ties. Both governments are expected to announce a range of initiatives, cultural exchanges and cooperative programs that will be carried out throughout 2026 to celebrate this milestone. These activities aim to highlight the depth of friendship between the two countries and promote people-to-people connections alongside strategic cooperation.
The Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue is regarded as the highest-level consultative mechanism between the two sides. It provides a comprehensive and structured platform to review the full scope of bilateral relations, including political trust, economic cooperation, regional security and global developments of mutual concern. Key areas such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), trade, investment, regional stability and multilateral coordination are also expected to feature prominently in the discussions.
The Foreign Office noted that the dialogue reflects the shared resolve of Pakistan and China to further strengthen their All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Both countries have consistently reaffirmed their commitment to supporting each other on core national interests and to promoting peace, stability and sustainable development in the region.
Dar’s visit is part of the regular exchange of high-level leadership between Islamabad and Beijing, underscoring the continuity of engagement despite regional and global challenges. Analysts view the timing of the visit as particularly important, given evolving geopolitical dynamics and the need for close coordination between the two countries on regional and international issues.
As Pakistan and China enter the 75th year of their diplomatic relationship, the visit is expected to set the tone for deeper cooperation and renewed momentum in bilateral ties throughout 2026.
