Pak-China military cooperation ‘important pillar’ of bilateral ties: Top Chinese general

BEIJING: Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Tuesday met Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) General Zhang Youxia.

During the meeting, Gen Zhang Youxia said that China greatly values its time tested relations with Pakistan and its Army.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Gen Youxia said that China looks forward to further expanding this cooperation. He said that development of CPEC is aimed at bringing more benefits and prosperity to the people of both the countries.

The Vice Chairman termed Pak-China military cooperation as an important pillar of bilateral relations. He said that the two militaries should further strengthen this cooperation to safeguard common security challenges.

COAS met Gen Zhang Youxia, VC CMC. Both discussed areas of furthering bilateral military cooperation. Gen Zhang termed Pak-China mil coop an imp pillar of bilateral relations which should be further strengthened to safeguard common security challenges. pic.twitter.com/vV0NErCmuR

— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) September 18, 2018

The Generals also discussed areas of further bilateral military cooperation in the field of counterterrorism, arms & equipment technology, and training. Pakistan army chief thanked Vice Chairman for the Chinese support and cooperation. Ambassador of Pakistan at China was also present during the meeting.

Yesterday (Sep 18), Gen Bajwa visited the headquarters of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Beijing and met his counterpart General Han Weiguo.

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.

Earlier this month, China said joint exercises of Chinese and Pakistan armed forces, training and competitions would 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.