ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Friday described Pakistan’s strategic partnership with China as “pivotal” for regional peace and stability, underscoring the deep-rooted ties between the two countries that have stood firm despite changing global dynamics.
The COAS was addressing a ceremony at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi, marking the 98th founding anniversary of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The event was attended by Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, PLA Defence Attaché Major General Wang Zhong, and senior military officials from both sides.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief said the Pakistan-China strategic relationship reflects “mutual trust, unwavering support, and a shared commitment” to peace and development. He reaffirmed that the partnership would continue to play a key role in regional stability and in safeguarding mutual strategic interests.
Calling Pakistan and China “true brothers-in-arms,” Field Marshal Munir lauded the PLA’s contributions to China’s defense, security, and nation-building, while highlighting the unique and time-tested nature of the bilateral bond.
The remarks came weeks after Indian Deputy Army Chief Lt. Gen. Rahul Singh alleged that China had provided Pakistan with “live inputs” during a brief military clash with India in May — a claim rejected by Pakistani leadership. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif earlier told Arab News that the outcome of the conflict was a “victory” entirely “Made in Pakistan.”
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong thanked the Pakistan Army for hosting the event and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to the strategic partnership, while acknowledging Pakistan’s armed forces for their role in counterterrorism.
Pakistan and China are longstanding allies, with strong cooperation under the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) — a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that provides Beijing access to the Arabian Sea via Gwadar Port, while supporting Pakistan’s infrastructure development and regional trade connectivity.
