In the latest episode of CGTN’s Media Chats, host Yawen Xu led an engaging discussion on Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China, which is being seen as a pivotal moment in the “Iron Brothers” relationship between the two countries.
As the two nations celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties, the visit stood out for its strong emphasis on future-oriented cooperation rather than traditional infrastructure alone.
A Symbolic Start in China’s Tech Hub
Unlike previous visits that usually begin in Beijing, Prime Minister Sharif started his trip in Hangzhou, China’s booming center for technology and innovation. According to the panel, this was a deliberate choice to highlight Pakistan’s growing interest in digital economy, artificial intelligence, fintech, and green technology.
While in Hangzhou, the Prime Minister chaired a major Pakistan-China business conference and visited Alibaba headquarters. Several cooperation agreements worth over $1.2 billion were signed, focusing on information technology, battery energy storage, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.
CPEC 2.0 Takes Center Stage
One of the biggest takeaways from the visit was the agreement to upgrade the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor into CPEC 2.0.
The first phase of CPEC successfully delivered energy projects, roads, and ports. The new phase, however, aims higher — targeting industrialization, technology transfer, digital infrastructure, agricultural modernization, and the creation of Special Economic Zones.
Prime Minister Sharif expressed Pakistan’s ambition to learn from China’s development model, hoping to transform Pakistan into what he called “a small China” in terms of economic modernization.
High-Level Meetings and Strong Political Support
In Beijing, PM Sharif held important meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. President Xi reiterated China’s firm support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independent development path — a message that was warmly received in Pakistan.
Deepening People-to-People and Space Ties
The episode also explored the growing cultural and educational connections between the two countries. Chinese language learning is expanding rapidly in Pakistan, and many young Pakistanis are now visiting China as vloggers and travelers, helping change perceptions and build stronger grassroots bonds.
In a particularly exciting development, the panel discussed advancing space cooperation. Pakistani astronauts are currently training in China, with plans for a Pakistani to join a future Chinese space mission.
Panel Discussion
Yawen Xu was joined by a strong panel of Pakistani journalists and analysts:
- Mahnoor Makhdoom, Journalist at Daily Mail Pakistan
- Muhammad Zamir Sadi, Director at China Desk, Lord Media Network
- Ali.TM, Chief Editor and Podcast Host at othernews.pk
The guests described the relationship using powerful terms such as “Trust”, “Shared Future”, and “Over the Moon”, reflecting the deep confidence between the two nations.
