Rawalpindi: Field Marshal, Chief of Army Staff Gen. Asim Munir on Friday underscored the importance of the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, calling it a cornerstone for peace and stability in the region.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the 98th anniversary of the founding of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, the army chief highlighted the depth and resilience of bilateral ties. The event was attended by China’s Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, Defence Attaché Major General Wang Zhong, senior diplomats, and high-ranking officials from Pakistan’s armed forces.
The COAS praised the PLA’s significant contributions to China’s national defense and development, while also extending warm congratulations on the army’s near-century-long legacy. He pointed out that the China-Pakistan partnership, built on trust, cooperation, and shared strategic interests, has consistently adapted to global and regional changes without compromising its strength.
He emphasized that the relationship between the two countries is “time-tested, exceptionally resilient, and deeply rooted in mutual respect.” The military partnership, he said, will remain central to efforts aimed at ensuring regional security and promoting collective prosperity.
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Describing the bond between the two militaries as more than strategic, Field Marshal Munir said, “The Pakistan Army and the PLA are true brothers-in-arms, united by shared values and unwavering mutual support.”
Ambassador Zaidong, who served as chief guest at the ceremony, expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s warm hospitality and acknowledged the Pakistani military’s key role in maintaining internal security and fighting terrorism.
He reiterated Beijing’s firm support for its all-weather friendship with Islamabad and emphasized continued cooperation across various domains.
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The ceremony took place just days after COAS Munir’s official visit to China, where he met with top Chinese leaders, including Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. During the trip, the Chinese leadership praised the Pakistan Army as a stabilizing force in the region and reaffirmed its strategic alignment with Pakistan.
In recent weeks, Islamabad and Beijing have intensified collaboration in multiple sectors such as maritime affairs, agriculture, disaster response, media, and infrastructure development, further reinforcing a partnership that both nations view as crucial to regional progress.
