Pakistan, China explore ways to boost defense cooperation

The military leadership of Pakistan and China on Monday conducted high-level military discussions in which they discussed how to strengthen their defense ties in the face of a fast changing geopolitical environment and presided over concerns about regional security.

The meeting between Army Chief General Asim Munir and visiting Commander of the People’s Liberation Army Ground Forces Gen. Li Qiaoming at the General Headquarters provided an opportunity for in-depth discussions on topics of mutual interest, regional security, military training, and measures to further augment bilateral defense cooperation, according to a readout from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Important regional security issues were discussed at the GHQ, including the unstable situation along the Line of Control (LoC), the tensions along the China-India border, and the changing circumstances in Kashmir and Afghanistan.

During the conversation, Gen. Munir, according to ISPR, emphasized the strong ties between the Pakistan Army and the People’s Liberation Army as well as the continuous military cooperation between the two forces. Noting that Pakistan-China defense and strategic ties are essential for regional peace and security, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed happiness at the growing military-to-military contacts.

Khawaja Asif voiced the opinion that a key component of regional stability was the security cooperation between China and Pakistan. With an emphasis on its relations with Afghanistan, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to regional security and peace.

Pakistan and the entire region stood to benefit from a peaceful Afghanistan, he continued. The dignitary who was visiting Pakistan was recognized for her efforts to promote peace and stability in the area.