Xi Jinping arrived in Islamabad on April 20, 2015, to begin a 2-day state visit to Pakistan, the first by a Chinese President in nine years. Prior to his arrival he authored an Op-Ed published by the Pak press where he underscored the "iron" friendship.  He signed 51 agreements totalling over US$ 46 billion for construction and infrastructure projects centered around the China-Pak Economic Corridor and Gwadar Port to be built over 15 years by Chinese companies.  Xi Jinping said:“We need to form a ‘1+4’ cooperation structure with the Economic Corridor at the center and the Gwadar Port, energy, infrastructure and industrial cooperation being the four key areas to drive development across Pakistan and deliver tangible benefits to its people.”

Days earlier, the Pakistan Cabinet approved a US$ 9 billion purchase of 8 diesel-powered submarines from China.