Chinese FM to Visit Pakistan on August 21 for Strategic Dialogue

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Foreign Minister will arrive in Pakistan on August 21 (Thursday) to participate in the sixth round of the Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue.

The meeting will be co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar along with his Chinese counterpart. Officials said both sides will reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the “all-weather strategic partnership” and reiterate support for each other on core national interests.

Talks will primarily focus on boosting economic and trade cooperation, while reviewing progress on ongoing projects. The two foreign ministers are also expected to exchange views on regional peace, stability, and development, with a pledge to work together on shared challenges.

The Chinese Foreign Minister is currently in New Delhi for talks on the border dispute with India and will travel directly to Islamabad from there.

China played a crucial role in supporting Pakistan during the recent four-day conflict with India. Although Beijing did not take part directly, its J-10C fighter jets and PL-15 beyond-visual-range missiles enabled Pakistan to down six Indian aircraft, including French-made Rafales. Beijing also extended diplomatic support after the Pahalgam attack, endorsing Islamabad’s call for a third-party investigation into the incident that brought both nuclear-armed nations close to war.

Against this backdrop, the upcoming dialogue is expected to emphasise enhanced strategic cooperation. Diplomatic contacts between the two sides have intensified in recent months.

During the visit, officials are also likely to finalise the agenda for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s forthcoming trip to China. The prime minister is scheduled to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit later this month and hold bilateral talks with the Chinese leadership.

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