Pakistan and China strengthen defense cooperation with the new pact
Pakistan and China have signed a new agreement to further deepen cooperation between the two armies, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The defense pact was signed in the backdrop of regional security situation and ongoing border standoff between China and India in the Ladakh region as well as increasing defense ties between India and the US.
On November 30, Chinese Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe held a meeting with Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa in Rawalpindi. They discussed “matters of mutual interest, regional security and enhanced bilateral defense collaboration”.
The Chinese general arrived in Pakistan from Nepal as part of Beijing’s efforts deepen its ties with Katmandu.
CPEC security
“Visiting dignitary acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan Army’s sincere efforts for regional peace and provision of a secure environment for the CPEC projects,” the official statemnet said.
The army chief thanked the dignitary for China’s unwavering support to Pakistan on all key issues at regional and international forums.
Pakistan greatly values ties with China
Pakistan army chief said that Pakistan Army greatly values “our time-tested and brotherly relations” with China. “We have been standing together all along, and our relations will be no different in [the] wake of future challenges,” the army chief said.
Earlier on arrival at the GHQ, the national defense minister laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada. A smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army presented the Guard of Honour to the visiting dignitary.
Pakistan’s President Dr Arif Alvi on Tuesday conferred Nishan-e-Imtiaz military on Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe in recognition of his services to strengthen Pakistan and China defense cooperation.
India sabotaging CPEC
President Arif Alvi said that friendship with China is cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
In a meeting with the Chinese defense minister, President Alvi expressed concerns about India’s hegemonic designs that “pose a serious threat to regional peace and security.” He added that “India is involved in terrorist activities in Balochistan and want to sabotage the CPEC project.
He also stressed the need for further enhancing defense relations between the two countries. Dr Alvi also appreciated the steps taken by China against COVID-19 pandemic.