ISLAMABAD: Presi­dent Asif Ali Zardari arr­ived in China on Saturday for discussions focused on economic and trade cooperation, as well as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

He landed at the Changsha Huanghua International Airport in China’s Hunan province.

He was received by Hu Xusheng, the vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the Hunan Provincial People’s Congress.

The state-run APP reported that on the invitation of the Chinese government President Zardari was undertaking a visit to China from April 25 to May 1.

According to a Foreign Office statement, the president will visit Hunan province’s Changsha from April 25 to 27, and then to Hainan province’s Sanya from April 28 to May 1.

“During the visit, the president will hold meetings with provincial leadership to revive the full spectrum of Pakistan-China ties, with particular focus on economic and trade cooperation as well as the [CPEC],” it added.

The FO added that the visit was part of the “longstanding tradition of high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China and carries special significance as both countries mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year”.

It further said the trip reflected the “deep commitment” of both sides to further strengthen the strategic cooperative partnership.

Earlier in the day, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider saw off the president at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, according to state broadcaster PTV.

Last year, President Zardari visited China on a 10-day official trip, during which he met the Chinese leadership and senior officials to further strengthen Pakistan-China relations, enhance cooperation in diverse fields, and advance shared objectives.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026