Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir recently concluded an official visit to China, engaging in a series of high-level discussions aimed at bolstering the strategic alliance between Islamabad and Beijing. This was announced in a statement released by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday.
According to the military’s media wing, during his stay in Beijing, the COAS held meetings with prominent Chinese political and military leaders, including Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Talks primarily centered on regional security, the evolving global landscape, and collaborative efforts within the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), as stated by ISPR.
“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,” the ISPR statement read. The Chinese leadership commended the Pakistan Armed Forces, recognizing them as a cornerstone of resilience and a crucial contributor to peace in South Asia.
On the military front, COAS Munir met with General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), alongside other senior officials from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), including General Chen Hui and Lieutenant General Cai Zhai Jun. Their discussions encompassed defense modernization, counter-terrorism initiatives, joint military training exercises, and enhanced institutional coordination. Both parties particularly emphasized improving operational interoperability to effectively address hybrid and transnational threats. The Chinese military reaffirmed its unwavering confidence in the strength of their bilateral defense partnership and acknowledged Pakistan’s vital role in promoting regional stability.
Field Marshal Munir conveyed his gratitude to the Chinese leadership for their steadfast support, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to deepening military cooperation “across all domains.” Upon his arrival at the PLA Army Headquarters, the COAS was honored with a guard of honor, symbolizing the enduring camaraderie between the two armed forces.
“The visit reflects the growing depth of politico-military ties between the two countries and underscores their joint resolve to promote regional peace through sustained, high-level engagement,” the military’s media wing further added.
‘China Supports Pakistan’s Anti-Terror Efforts’
During a meeting with COAS Munir on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that the Pakistani military stands as a staunch defender of national interests and a firm supporter of the China-Pakistan friendship, according to Chinese state-run Xinhua. He also expressed expectations for the Pakistani military’s continued contributions to bilateral relations, Xinhua reported.
Wang highlighted that China and Pakistan have extended unwavering mutual support on issues concerning each other’s core interests. He noted that China is prepared to collaborate with Pakistan in implementing the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries, further deepening their all-weather strategic cooperation to bring greater benefits to their peoples and contribute to regional peace and stability.
“China supports Pakistan’s resolute efforts to combat terrorism in all forms and hopes the Pakistani military will continue to make all-out efforts to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan,” Wang affirmed. COAS Munir responded by stating that fostering friendly cooperation with China is a consensus across Pakistani society, and Pakistan sincerely appreciates China’s long-standing support for its socio-economic development. He was quoted as saying that the Pakistani military will continue to undertake all necessary measures to safeguard the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions within its territory, and is ready to actively strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries.
