Deputy PM/FM first overseas dignitary to arrive in Beijing in 2026 on official invitation

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has left for Beijing to co-chair the seventh Pakistan–China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue alongside Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The high-level dialogue is scheduled to take place on January 4.

First Foreign Dignitary to Visit China in 2026

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stated that Dar is the first foreign dignitary to visit China in 2026, undertaking the visit at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

Focus on Bilateral Cooperation

According to the Foreign Office, the strategic dialogue will comprehensively assess bilateral cooperation, explore new avenues for collaboration, and further strengthen the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Pakistan and China.

Highest Consultative Mechanism

In a curtain-raiser issued on December 31, 2025, the Foreign Office described the dialogue as the highest consultative mechanism between the two countries. The statement emphasized that Dar’s visit is a key component of ongoing high-level engagements between Islamabad and Beijing.

Commitment to Regional Peace and Development

The visit is also aimed at reaffirming Pakistan and China’s shared commitment to regional peace, stability, and sustainable development, the Foreign Office noted.

75 Years of Pakistan–China Relations

Pakistan and China—often referred to as “iron brothers”—established diplomatic relations in 1951, with Pakistan among the first nations to recognize the People’s Republic of China. As the two countries prepare to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic ties, their relationship continues to evolve amid changing regional and global dynamics.

Strategic Partnership

Over the decades, bilateral ties have developed into a comprehensive strategic partnership, built on strong political trust, defence collaboration, and expanding economic cooperation.