COAS in Beijing: China lauds Pakistan Army for 'high degree' security to CPEC projects

BEIJING: Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday visited the headquarters of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Beijing and met his counterpart General Han Weiguo.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), both the commanders discussed regional security environment, security of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and bilateral security cooperation.

The PLA chief appreciated and acknowledged the high professional standing of the Pakistan Army displayed while combating terrorism. He also appreciated the high degree of security being provided to CPEC by Pakistan Army.

The Chinese general expressed his keen desire to benefit from Pakistan Army’s combat experience and also expand bilateral cooperation.

Gen Bajwa thanked his counterpart for hosting him. He expressed that both armies have history of cooperation and there are vast avenues for further enhancing the same.

The army chief was presented guard of honour upon arrival at the PLA headquarter. Tomorrow, he is scheduled to meet Vice Chairman Central Military Commission (CMC) Gen Zhang Youxia.

The army chief is currently on a three-official visit of China and is expected to interact with several Chinese military and civil leaders.

Earlier this month, China has said joint exercises of Chinese and Pakistan armed forces, training and competitions will help improve ability to deal with multiple security threats and jointly maintain regional peace and stability.

The Chinese defence ministry’s spokesperson had said these exercises would also help the military of participating countries to enhance understanding and deepen mutual trust.

‘CPEC Pakistan’s one of top priorities’

Spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry on Sep 11 rejected a media report regarding delay in the construction of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), saying the Pakistani government had termed the project a priority for the country.

He said the Pakistani Ministry of Commerce issued a statement saying that the Pakistani officials quoted by the Financial Times were out of context and distorted the original intention, and the Pakistani side refused to acknowledge the report.

The statement also pointed out that during the recent visit to Pakistan by Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the Pakistani side clearly stated that CPEC was a priority for the country, he added.

Geng Shuang said the Pakistan-China relationship was unbreakable, and the Pakistani government’s commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor remained unwavering.