PEKING: Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and members of his delegation arrived here today [May 26] from Pyongyang to an enthusiastic airport welcome, and started formal talks with Chinese leaders shortly afterwards. The basic strength and stability of Sino-Pakistani relations were also stressed in an editorial today in the People’s Daily. — Special representative

[News agencies add,] Premier Hua Kuo-feng, Foreign Minister Chiao Kuan-hua, Minister of Foreign Trade Li Chiang and a crowd of well-wishers were at the airport to accord the distinguished Pakistani guests a warm welcome. An old friend of the Chinese people, Prime Minister Bhutto has visited China on many occasions and contributed to the “ever-growing friendship” between China and Pakistan. To welcome Prime Minister Bhutto on his current visit, the Chinese capital was decked out festively. Red lanterns hung on Tienanmen Gate. … A grand ceremony of welcome took place at the airport… . … Earlier, a warm send off had been given to Prime Minister Bhutto when he left Pyongyang today [May 26] for Peking on the conclusion of his six-day trip to Korea. He was seen off at the airport by President Marshal Kim Il Sung and the high cadre of the Party, besides senior officials and diplomats. A 21-gun salute boomed out as he boarded the plane.

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2026