Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chinese leaders reached a “new broad consensus” on Tuesday to deepen strategic ties, focusing on accelerating the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and establishing the port of Gwadar as a regional connectivity hub.

During a visit to Beijing, Sharif met President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. A joint statement said the two sides would promote “high-quality” development of CPEC, upgrade the Karakoram Highway and the Khunjerab Pass — the main overland artery between the countries — and strengthen road and port links. “Both sides welcomed third parties to participate in the development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor under the model agreed,” the statement added.

Pakistan promised targeted measures to enhance security for Chinese personnel and investments, a crucial demand from Beijing after successive militant attacks on its nationals and projects.

On regional diplomacy, China appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in easing the temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran and hosting related talks in Islamabad. Both countries reiterated support for a five-point initiative aimed at restoring peace in West Asia and offered to make positive contributions.

Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China principle, calling Taiwan an “inalienable” part of China and opposing any form of Taiwan independence. The two governments also jointly opposed the use of territory by groups such as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement to threaten regional security or launch attacks.