Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Monday, as the two sides reaffirmed cooperation on bilateral ties and regional stability.

Sharif was received at the Great Hall of the People with a formal guard of honor before the delegation-level talks began, according to state-run Pakistan TV.

The meeting comes during a four-day official visit to China that started in Hangzhou over the weekend.

What did Pakistan PM Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Qiang discuss in Beijing?

The two leaders reaffirmed cooperation on bilateral ties and discussed regional diplomatic efforts linked to ongoing Middle East tensions. Sharif told Li that the international community was facing a “critical moment”.

He also highlighted Islamabad’s role in facilitating contacts between Washington and Tehran, thanking China for its support in peace efforts.

What was the significance of Field Marshal Asim Munir’s presence at the Beijing meeting?

Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces and Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, attended the meeting in Beijing after concluding a visit to Tehran on Friday and Saturday.

His presence underscored Islamabad’s active engagement in regional diplomacy aimed at de-escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had also accompanied Munir during the Tehran visit.

Sharif acknowledged Munir’s diplomatic role directly during the meeting. “Field Marshal was in Tehran and did not want to miss this great visit,” Sharif said. “Things are moving in the right direction. I would like to thank China’s support to promote peace.”

What role has Pakistan played in US-Iran diplomacy?

Pakistan has positioned itself as a facilitator in recent diplomatic contacts between the United States and Iran, including hosting rare face-to-face talks in April.

Field Marshal Munir played a visible role during those discussions, receiving delegations and engaging with U.S. officials including Vice President JD Vance. The talks did not produce a breakthrough, with Iran later accusing Washington of making “excessive demands”.

Sharif was direct about Islamabad’s ambitions in the region. “Pakistan has played a sincere role to mediate between the US and Iran,” he said during Monday’s meeting. China has also publicly called for stability in the Middle East, saying it would work with Pakistan to “make positive contributions to the early restoration of peace and stability.”

What is the broader agenda of Sharif’s four-day China visit?

Sharif’s visit to China covers economic cooperation, regional security and investment, with the trip beginning in Hangzhou before moving to Beijing.

Memorandums of understanding and agreements worth more than $7 billion were signed during the Hangzhou leg, covering trade, technology and e-commerce. Sharif is also expected to meet President Xi Jinping and attend events marking 75 years of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations.

With additional input from AFP