Chinese ambassador, army chief discuss regional security

RAWALPINDI: China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Yao Jing, Tuesday met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and discussed matters of mutual interest and regional security.

According to a tweet of Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Chinese ambassador appreciated conduct of the successful visit of Chinese foreign minister and support for the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan.

The COAS reiterated that CPEC was economic future of Pakistan and its security would never be compromised.

China’s Amb to Pak met COAS. Discussed matters of mutual interest & regional security. Amb appreciated conduct of successful visit of Chinese Foreign Minister and support for CPEC in Pak. COAS reiterated that CPEC is eco future of Pak and its security shall never be compromised. pic.twitter.com/fn2pxLBk39

— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) September 11, 2018

On Sep 10, China and Pakistan reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen bilateral ties in all field and China will continue its support to Pakistan, while both countries agreed to accelerate China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Pakistan was mainly aimed to renew friendship, promote mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas and elevate the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership to a new high.

His visit was mainly aimed at exchanging views with the new government and compare notes with Pakistan on cooperation in all areas, thus making “our bilateral cooperation to get off under the new circumstances”, the Chinese spokesman said.

Asked whether any new economic package by China has been discussed as Pakistan is currently facing serious economic crisis, he said the two sides have agreed to jointly promote the construction and expansion of CPEC.

“The two sides will advance the CPEC in the light of Pakistan’s economic and social development and people’s needs. We will identify the pathways and cooperation for the CPEC.

During his visit to Pakistan, the Chinese Foreign Minister had said there were currently 22 cooperation projects in Pakistan within the framework of the CPEC of which nine have been completed and thirteen are under construction.

Geng said close ties between Islamabad and Beijing will not target a third party nor it will be influenced by the development of foreign relations with other countries.