By The South Asia Times

BEIJING — At a regular press conference on Thursday, China outlined major diplomatic developments, including a confirmed visit by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reaffirmed close ties with Russia following President Vladimir Putin’s state visit, and reiterated positions on Taiwan, the Korean Peninsula, and Middle East mediation efforts.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Sharif will pay an official visit to China from May 23 to 26 at the invitation of Premier Li Qiang. He said President Xi Jinping and Li Qiang will hold talks with the Pakistani leader, focusing on bilateral ties, economic cooperation, and regional issues.

Guo highlighted that the visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, calling the relationship an “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.” He said both sides will deepen cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and strengthen coordination in global forums such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

On Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent state visit, Guo said Xi held “in-depth, friendly and fruitful talks” with Putin, with the two sides signing over 20 cooperation documents covering trade, energy, science, education, and technology. He said both leaders reaffirmed support for a multipolar world and a more “just and reasonable” global governance system.

Guo stressed that China-Russia ties have entered a new stage of development, describing them as a model of major-country relations based on “non-alliance, non-confrontation and non-targeting of third parties.”

Addressing global issues, China rejected new EU trade restrictions on Chinese firms, warning of countermeasures if discriminatory policies are imposed, while urging dialogue over confrontation.

On the Korean Peninsula, Beijing said it will continue to play a constructive role in political settlement efforts, and on Taiwan, it reiterated strong opposition to US arms sales and official exchanges.

China also expressed support for Pakistan’s “just and balanced” diplomatic role in Middle East tensions, saying it will continue to work with Islamabad and the international community to promote de-escalation.

Guo declined to confirm reports of a possible Chinese leader visit to North Korea, saying there was no information available at present.