ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military on Saturday reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening defence cooperation with China as the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi commemorated the 99th founding anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), with senior military leaders from both countries highlighting their enduring strategic partnership.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, attended the ceremony as the guest of honour. Major General Wang Zhong, China’s Defence Attaché, officials of the Chinese Embassy and senior military officers from Pakistan’s tri-services were also present.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, welcomed the distinguished guests and congratulated the PLA on its 99th founding anniversary.
The Field Marshal paid tribute to the PLA’s remarkable contributions to China’s defence, national development, and international peace and security.
Highlighting the enduring strength of Pakistan-China relations, he said the friendship between the two countries is unique, time-tested and has remained steadfast in the face of evolving regional and global challenges.
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He reaffirmed that the Pakistan Armed Forces and the PLA are true partners, bound by mutual trust, unwavering support and a shared commitment to regional peace, stability and the protection of common strategic interests.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Jiang thanked the Field Marshal for hosting the commemorative event and appreciated the Pakistan Armed Forces’ significant contributions and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
The Chinese envoy reaffirmed China’s unwavering support for Pakistan and reiterated Beijing’s enduring commitment to further strengthening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.
Pakistan and China maintain close defence cooperation through regular high-level military exchanges, joint exercises, training programmes and collaboration in defence production.
Military ties are regarded as a key pillar of the broader strategic partnership between the two countries, which also encompasses economic cooperation, regional connectivity and coordination on regional and international issues.
