During a historic visit to China, President Asif Ali Zardari praised the country’s aerospace and defense achievements, highlighting their role in bolstering Pakistan’s aerial defenses. He also noted China’s advancements in high-speed rail, which he said offer valuable lessons for Pakistan.
Expanding Defense Collaboration President Zardari became the first foreign head of state to visit the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the manufacturer of the J-10C aircraft. He was accompanied by his children, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and MNA Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari.
During the visit, President Zardari met with AVIC’s engineers and scientists, praising the Chinese-made aircraft’s performance. He specifically cited its effectiveness during Ma’raka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, a recent conflict with India that ended with a ceasefire in May 2025. He stated that the J-10C and the JF-17 Thunder have significantly strengthened the Pakistan Air Force.
The president hailed AVIC as a “symbol of China’s technological advancement” and a testament to the strong strategic partnership between the two nations. He was briefed on AVIC’s capabilities, including the J-20 stealth fifth-generation fighter jet and unmanned aerial vehicles.
A Marvel of Railway Engineering In a separate part of his visit, President Zardari traveled from Chengdu to Mianyang on a high-speed train. He described China’s achievements in sustainable transport as a “marvel of railway engineering.”
He noted that China’s pollution-free electric propulsion and earthquake early warning systems offer “valuable lessons for other countries, including Pakistan.” Officials briefed him on China’s high-speed rail network, which is the world’s largest at over 45,000 kilometers and carries more than 2 billion passengers annually.
