China’s Prime Minister Li Qiang’s visit to Pakistan ahead of the SCO summit is a strategic move to strengthen bilateral ties and regional influence through economic and geopolitical cooperation.

As the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit looms, Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Pakistan carries profound significance—for bilateral relations and regional geopolitics. This marks the first visit by a Chinese premier in 11 years, highlighting the deepening partnership between the two nations at a critical time. Key agreements are expected, including the much-anticipated ML-I railway project and possibly an address to Pakistan’s Parliament. This visit signals the continued evolution of their strategic, economic, and geopolitical ties, particularly within the SCO framework.

Premier Li’s trip arrives as Pakistan and China grapple with increasingly complex regional challenges. When Li Keqiang visited in 2013, the focus was on power generation. 11 years later, Li Qiang is building on that foundation, broadening cooperation beyond energy into infrastructure. This historical context underscores how the relationship has matured and is now centered on broader strategic interests.

The timing of Li’s visit—scheduled from October 14-16, just before Pakistan hosts the SCO Heads of Government meeting—is no coincidence. It strategically positions both nations to steer key regional integration, development, and security discussions. The visit is a coordinated effort to align bilateral goals with the broader objectives of the SCO, especially as China seeks to rally support for its regional initiatives.

Pakistan’s role in the SCO could be amplified by this visit, potentially transforming it from a participant to a critical facilitator of dialogue among significant powers like China, Russia, and India. Despite ongoing tensions, Pakistan has extended invitations to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal for the summit, reflecting its delicate balancing act within the region’s power dynamics. The Chinese premier’s visit will likely see both countries discussing leveraging their cooperation to navigate this complex landscape.

Economic cooperation remains central to this trip, with significant agreements like the ML-I railway project set to be signed. This ambitious infrastructure venture, aimed at modernizing Pakistan’s rail network, is a cornerstone of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). By enhancing connectivity with China and other regional partners, the ML-I project could revolutionize Pakistan’s trade and transport sectors, further embedding the nation into China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The visit underscores China’s continued investment in its economic future for Pakistan. Within the broader SCO context, these economic synergies could cement Pakistan’s role as a key player in regional trade and connectivity, reducing its dependence on Western economies and fostering deeper ties within Asia. Security concerns, especially regarding Afghanistan, will also likely top the agenda. Both nations have a vested interest in ensuring stability in Afghanistan to prevent the spread of terrorism and extremism. This shared concern will likely drive the coordination of their strategies ahead of the SCO summit, where regional security will be a central focus.

Close cooperation between China and Pakistan could strengthen counterterrorism efforts within the SCO, reinforcing the organization’s role as a stabilizing force in the region. Beyond security, this partnership reflects the growing geopolitical importance of the SCO in addressing regional challenges. Premier Li’s visit symbolizes the deepening trust between China and Pakistan. It serves as a public reaffirmation of China’s support for Pakistan amid shifting regional alignments, adding layers of diplomatic symbolism to the trip.

Geopolitically, the visit has significant implications for the SCO, where China’s growing influence is increasingly shaping the agenda. Closer alignment between China and Pakistan could recalibrate the balance of power within the organization, potentially sidelining India’s influence on key issues. This alignment offers Pakistan a strategic advantage, allowing it to navigate South Asian politics more effectively and safeguard its regional interests.

China’s engagement with Pakistan before the SCO summit also carries global ramifications. China’s close relationship with Pakistan reflects a broader strategy to counter Western influence and expand its footprint in South and Central Asia as the world shifts toward a multipolar order. The visit signals China’s commitment to using platforms like the SCO to project its power on the global stage.

This visit enhances Pakistan’s standing as a strategic player in China’s regional and global ambitions. It allows Islamabad to balance its relations with global powers like the U.S., Russia, and the European Union while reinforcing its alignment with China.

In essence, Premier Li’s visit to Pakistan before the SCO summit is more than a diplomatic gesture—it marks a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between two long-standing allies. From major economic deals like the ML-I railway project to high-stakes discussions on regional security, this visit sets the stage for deeper cooperation between China and Pakistan.

As the SCO summit approaches, both nations are poised to shape the region’s future, influencing the contours of regional cooperation and broader global power dynamics. For Pakistan, this visit represents an opportunity to assert its importance on the world stage, leveraging its strategic partnership with China to secure its economic and security interests in an increasingly multipolar world.