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Express Tribune
02-08-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
US thaw won't eclipse China ties: FO
COAS Gen Asim Munir and Chinese envoy Jiang Zaidong commemorate 98 years of the PLA with a ceremonial cake-cutting at the GHQ in Rawalpindi. Photo: PPI Listen to article Pakistan will continue to pursue strategic partnership with China, dismissing the perception that its close ties with the United States may come at the expense of Beijing. Two statements on Friday — one from the Foreign Office and the other from the ISPR — delivered a clear message that Pakistan's relationship with China was "unique" and both sides would support each other irrespective of the shifting strategic dynamics. Since the unprecedented reset in the relationship between Pakistan and the US, there have been murmurs and skeptics who fear that Washington's closeness might persuade Islamabad to maintain distance from China. "I will not agree with this perception" Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan replied emphatically. "China is a very close friend and iron brother. We enjoy a strategic partnership spread over decades. It's a unique relationship between two friendly neighboring countries and has nothing to do with what kind of relations we pursue with other countries." "Pakistan-China relations are based on the principles of international law and UN Charter. Our relations remain robust and two sides are working to sustain the positive momentum," he added. Earlier, ISPR said a ceremony was held at the GHQ to commemorate the 98th founding anniversary of People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong was the chief guest while in attendance were Major General Wang Zhong, Defence Attaché, officials from the Chinese Embassy, and senior military officers from the tri-services of Pakistan. Field Marshal Gen Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, extended a warm welcome to the Chinese guests and congratulated the PLA on its 98th founding anniversary. He lauded the PLA's pivotal role in China's defence, security, and nation-building. The COAS underscored the strength and strategic significance of Pakistan-China relations, emphasizing that the bond between the two nations is unique, time-tested, and exceptionally resilient amid evolving regional and global challenges. The Field Marshal highlighted that the Pakistan-China strategic relationship exemplifies mutual trust, unwavering support, and shared commitment. He stressed that despite shifting strategic dynamics, the friendship between the two nations has remained steadfast and unshakable. Concluding his address, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reaffirmed that the Pakistan Army and the PLA are true brothers-in-arms. He emphasized that their enduring partnership will continue to play a pivotal role in promoting regional stability and safeguarding shared strategic interests. Addressing the gathering, the Chinese Ambassador expressed his sincere gratitude to the COAS for hosting the event commemorating the PLA's 98th anniversary. He acknowledged the steadfast role of Pakistan's armed forces in the fight against terrorism and reaffirmed China's unwavering support for and commitment to its strategic partnership with Pakistan.
Time of India
01-08-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pak flaunts China ties as Trump's tariff adds new twist to regional dynamics
. ISLAMABAD: In a symbolic assertion of strategic alignment, Pakistan's military hosted on Friday a grand ceremony at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi to mark the 98th anniversary of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA), showcasing its deepening defence partnership with Beijing. The event came soon after a surprise 19% tariff on Pakistani imports announced by US President Donald Trump just days after Washington and Islamabad concluded new trade deals. While the tariff decision is believed to have been discussed between the two sides as part of broader trade negotiations, Trump's typically blunt commentary on social media appeared aimed more at India than Pakistan. In recent days, Trump has taken jabs at New Delhi over its continued purchase of Russian oil and defence equipment, while casting Pakistan in a more favourable light. At GHQ, however, Pakistan's military made its strategic loyalties unambiguous. Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir hosted Chinese ambassador Jiang Zaidong and PLA defence attaché Maj Gen Wang Zhong at a ceremony that included military tributes, visuals of joint defence hardware, and strong political messaging. Munir described the Pakistan-China relationship as a 'beacon of mutual trust and shared destiny' and referred to the PLA and Pakistan Army as 'iron brothers'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pune: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo The messaging was clear: Pakistan is reaffirming its long-standing alignment with China even as it navigates transactional ties with Washington and economic turbulence at home. With IMF conditionalities tightening and Western funding streams growing unpredictable, Islamabad continues to anchor itself in Beijing's strategic orbit, particularly through projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). For China, the event was a diplomatic win. As Beijing faces intensifying rivalry with the US across the Indo-Pacific, its deepening influence over a nuclear-armed ally in South Asia reinforces its foothold in the region. The GHQ ceremony was a visual and political endorsement of China's role as Islamabad's primary defence and development partner. With Pakistan and China enhancing defence cooperation and projecting unity, New Delhi faces a more tightly aligned northern bloc just as it expands its own security ties with the US and with Indo-Pacific allies. Despite the potential economic fallout of the US tariffs, Rawalpindi appears undeterred. In an era of fluid alliances, Pakistan is betting on consistency with Beijing over the unpredictability of Western partners, a gamble that could reshape the regional balance in the years ahead.
News18
01-08-2025
- Politics
- News18
At PLA's Event In Rawalpindi, Pakistan Signals Strategic Embrace Of China
Last Updated: Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir used the occasion to praise the PLA's role in China's national development and defence structure Pakistan openly showcased its deepening military alignment with China by hosting the 98th anniversary celebrations of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) at General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi on Friday. Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong was the Chief Guest, underlining the strength of the PLA-Pakistan Army partnership. Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir used the occasion to praise the PLA's role in China's national development and defence structure. The symbolic choice of GHQ as the venue sent a strong message, this was more than a diplomatic gesture — it projected institutional and military integration between the two nations. General Munir described the PLA and the Pakistan Army as 'true brothers-in-arms" with 'unshakable trust." The event was attended by top officers from all three branches of Pakistan's armed forces. The Chinese envoy, in turn, applauded Pakistan's counterterrorism efforts and reaffirmed the growing strategic partnership. Tactical Balancing Act According to intelligence sources speaking to CNN-News18, Pakistan continues to walk a fine line between China and the United States, securing 'financial and military support from both the countries and by playing the role of an important ally in different theatres." The sources further added that, while Islamabad presents itself to Beijing as the protector of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) interests, it simultaneously positions itself as a key partner to Washington in matters related to 'Afghanistan, Kashmir, and Balochistan". Sources say Pakistan has used controlled crackdowns on Baloch groups to appease China, while using selective counterterror operations to satisfy the US, including rebranding militant outfits like Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Milli Muslim League as charity or political groups. At the same time, Pakistan is said to covertly maintain and manage proxy networks in Afghanistan, Kashmir, and Balochistan — allowing it to play both sides. 'Military assistance, including drones, surveillance systems, and defence hardware, continues to come from both China and the US, helping Pakistan maintain this dual strategy," the source adde, About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
25-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Asim Munir In China, Meets Wang Yi As Islamabad Ramps Up Military Diplomacy
The visit comes as Pakistan, on the back foot after its clash with India over the Pahalgam attack, is doubling down on military diplomacy to reinforce strategic partnerships Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff and Field Marshal, General Asim Munir, is currently in China, where he met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, CNN-News18 has learnt. During the meeting, China reiterated its firm support for Pakistan's efforts to combat all forms of terrorism. Beijing also expressed hope that the Pakistani military would continue to ensure the security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions within the country. General Munir, on his part, said that strengthening friendly cooperation with China enjoys broad support across Pakistani society. He pledged that the Pakistani military will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard Chinese citizens, enterprises and projects in Pakistan, while actively enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation with China. The visit comes at a time when Pakistan, on the back foot after its recent conflict with India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, is aggressively pursuing military diplomacy to bolster strategic partnerships, diversify defence alliances, and reposition itself as a regional defence player. According to top military sources, these visits are not routine diplomacy, they are calibrated moves aimed at forging long-term military cooperation, securing defence deals, and aligning Pakistan with like-minded nations in a shifting regional security landscape. The Chinese leg of the tour was kept under wraps due to the sensitive nature of discussions, which reportedly centre around intelligence-sharing, defence procurement, and regional power balance in the Indo-Pacific. A key component of Pakistan's outreach is the promotion of Chinese and Turkish defence technology, particularly the JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and Bayraktar drones. These platforms are being pitched to countries like Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Iran, with Pakistani military leadership highlighting their performance and affordability, especially following their reported use during the conflict with India. Earlier this year, defence ministers from Türkiye and Indonesia visited Islamabad, holding high-level talks on military training, joint production and regional security. Sources close to Pakistan's General Headquarters (GHQ) describe this wave of diplomacy as part of a long-term vision to reshape Pakistan's military partnerships amid changing regional dynamics. Munir has reportedly briefed top military forums that his earlier visits to Washington, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Ankara, Baku and Tehran were 'highly successful diplomatic manoeuvres," establishing a wide network of defence cooperation. Through this series of engagements, Pakistan is seeking to move beyond traditional alignments and pursue shared security initiatives across South Asia, Southeast Asia and the broader Middle East. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Express Tribune
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pak-India conflict 'unmistakably' bilateral: COAS
Listen to article Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Thursday rejected the notion that the recent military conflict between Pakistan and India in May had any third party involvement, saying it was "unmistakably a bilateral confrontation". His remarks came during the corps commanders conference held at the GHQ in Rawalpindi to review the internal security as well as regional developments. Chairing the meeting, Field Marshal Asim referred to the Indian army's baseless insinuations to offset its comprehensive defeat. "Invoking third parties in what is unmistakably a bilateral military confrontation reflects a disingenuous attempt at bloc politics aimed at falsely projecting India's self-assigned role as a net security provider to accrue benefits in a region that is visibly growing disillusioned with Indian hegemonic ambitions and Hindutva driven extremism," the army chief stated. The deputy chief of the Indian army had claimed last week that India was facing a two-front situation, referring to the role of China. However, Field Marshal Asim's statement suggested otherwise. Pakistan may have close defence cooperation with China but the authorities said it was Pakistan's own planning and indigenous technology that helped defeat India and that New Delhi's effort to point a finger at China was an attempt to gain sympathy and support from the West. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the military, the corps commanders offered Fateha for the martyrs of recent terrorist attacks by Indian-sponsored proxies. Taking stock of the recent successes against terrorist proxies, the forum resolved that "blood of our Shuhada will not go waste and the safety and security of people of Pakistan remain top-most priority" for the Armed Forces of Pakistan. The forum strongly asserted that it was imperative to take decisive and holistic actions at all levels against the Indian-backed and sponsored proxies. Following its manifest defeat in direct aggression against Pakistan, post-Pahalgam incident, "India is now doubling down to further its nefarious agenda" through its proxies of Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan. The army chief shared details of Pakistan's proactive and successful diplomatic manoeuvre, including recent visits to Iran, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where Field Marshal Syed Asim accompanied Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the ISPR said. The forum was briefed on the historic and unique visit of the COAS to the US, where meetings with top-tier leadership afforded an opportunity to share first-hand Pakistan's objective perspective on bilateral, regional and extra-regional developments. The forum conducted a holistic review of the prevailing internal and external security dynamics, with particular emphasis on the recent developments in Middle East and Iran and growing propensity for "use of force" as a preferred policy tool, which warranted persistent development of self-reliant capabilities as well as national unity and resolve. The forum was also briefed on Pakistan's Army's ongoing drive with quick adaptation towards evolving threat spectrum and changing character of war. The army chief appreciated the leadership of Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force for further strengthening tri-services synergy. In his concluding remarks, the army chief expressed full confidence in the operational readiness of the Pakistan Army against complete threat spectrum.
