RAWALPINDI – August 1, 2025:
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s enduring and resilient friendship with China, underscoring the strategic partnership’s pivotal role in promoting regional stability and safeguarding mutual interests.
He made the remarks while addressing a ceremony held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi to commemorate the 98th founding anniversary of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), according to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The event was attended by senior Chinese and Pakistani military officials, including Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong — who served as the chief guest — China’s Defence Attaché Major General Wang Zhong, other Chinese Embassy officials, and senior officers from Pakistan’s Army, Navy, and Air Force.
COAS Munir warmly welcomed the Chinese delegation and extended congratulations on behalf of the Pakistan Army, praising the PLA for its remarkable contributions to China’s defence, security, and nation-building over nearly a century.
In his address, the army chief emphasised that the “enduring partnership” between Pakistan and China has remained steadfast and unshakable despite shifting global and regional dynamics. He stated that this unique and time-tested bond is built on mutual trust, unwavering support, and a shared commitment to development and peace.
“Our friendship with China is unique, time-tested, and exceptionally resilient,” the COAS remarked. “The PLA and Pakistan Army are true brothers-in-arms. Our enduring partnership is central to promoting regional stability and securing our shared strategic interests.”
He further highlighted that the bilateral relationship — symbolised by projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) — spans across multiple sectors including defence, energy, trade, infrastructure, and regional connectivity.
Ambassador Jiang Zaidong thanked Field Marshal Munir for hosting the event and acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed forces in the fight against terrorism. He reaffirmed China’s unwavering support for Pakistan and emphasised the importance of deepening strategic cooperation in the face of evolving regional and global challenges.
Today’s reaffirmation of strong military and strategic ties comes just a week after COAS Munir concluded a high-level visit to China, where he met with Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Chinese leaders during the visit lauded the Pakistan Army as a “cornerstone of resilience and a vital contributor” to peace in the region.
Earlier this month, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Chinese counterpart also reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across a range of fields — including maritime security, agriculture, disaster management, and media collaboration — to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
