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Fact Check: Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif’s China Visit Dates, Meetings, and 75th Anniversary Event

Verification of Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif’s May 23‑26 China visit, meetings with Xi Jinping and Li Qiang, and participation in the 75th‑anniversary diplomatic event.

Nadia Okafor/3 min/US

Political Correspondent

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Fact Check: Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif’s China Visit Dates, Meetings, and 75th Anniversary Event
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Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit China from May 23 to May 26, will meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, and will attend a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. All three statements are true.

Claim 1 Pakistan's foreign office announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will make an official visit to China from May 23 to May 26.

Evidence The Foreign Office issued a statement on Friday listing the exact dates of the trip. China’s foreign ministry later echoed the schedule, confirming that Sharif will arrive on May 23 and depart on May 26.

Verdict True.

Analysis Both Pakistani and Chinese sources independently verified the dates, and no outlet has reported a different itinerary. This concordance gives the claim high confidence.

Claim 2 During his visit to China, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang in Beijing.

Evidence Pakistan’s Foreign Office said Sharif will hold talks with Xi Jinping and Li Qiang while in the capital. China’s official English‑language site published the same information, listing the meetings as part of the Beijing leg.

Verdict True.

Analysis The confirmation comes from both sides of the diplomatic channel, with no contradictory reports. Mutual acknowledgment makes the claim reliable.

Claim 3 Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will attend an event commemorating the 75th anniversary of Pakistan‑China diplomatic relations.

Evidence A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry stated that Sharif will join a reception celebrating the 75‑year milestone. Pakistani news outlets noted that the visit is timed to coincide with the anniversary.

Verdict True.

Analysis The anniversary event is mentioned by Chinese officials and echoed by Pakistani media, leaving no room for doubt. No source has denied the planned ceremony.

What to watch next Observers should monitor any agreements signed under CPEC Phase 2 and the outcomes of the business forum in Hangzhou for signs of deeper economic cooperation.

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