COAS reaffirms defence, security cooperation during China visit

ISLAMABAD:

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir undertook a high-level official visit to the People’s Republic of China, where he held a series of meetings with senior Chinese political and military leadership to further reinforce the strategic partnership between the two brotherly nations, the military said in a statement on Friday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the COAS called on His Excellency Han Zheng, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, and His Excellency Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of China.

During these engagements, matters of mutual interest were discussed, including the evolving regional and global security environment, ongoing connectivity initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and coordinated approaches to emerging geopolitical challenges.

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“Both sides expressed satisfaction over the depth of bilateral engagement and reiterated their shared commitment to sovereign equality, multilateral cooperation, and long-term regional stability,” ISPR said.

The Chinese leadership acknowledged the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces, describing them as a cornerstone of resilience and a vital contributor to peace and stability in South Asia, the ISPR further added.

On the military side, COAS Gen Munir held detailed meetings with General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC); General Chen Hui, Political Commissar of the PLA Army; and Lieutenant General Cai Zhai Jun, Chief of Staff of the PLA Army.

The military-level discussions focused on strengthening defence and security cooperation, including counterterrorism collaboration, joint training and exercises, defence modernisation, and enhanced institutional linkages.

“Both sides underscored the importance of operational interoperability and strategic coordination to effectively counter hybrid and transnational threats,” the ISPR said.

The Chinese military leadership expressed full confidence in the strength of the bilateral defence relationship and acknowledged Pakistan’s pivotal role in promoting regional peace and stability, the statement added.

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COAS Gen Munir conveyed appreciation for China’s consistent support and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to further expand military-to-military cooperation across all domains.

Upon arrival at the PLA Army Headquarters, the COAS was presented with a guard of honour, reflecting the longstanding camaraderie and deep-rooted military ties between the armed forces of Pakistan and China, the statement noted.

“The visit reflects the growing depth of politico-military ties between the two brotherly nations and underscores their shared resolve to advance regional security through sustained high-level dialogue and engagements,” the ISPR concluded.