ISLAMABAD: Pakistan-China military talks on Wednesday focused on counterterrorism and regional security.
Along with a high-level delegation, General Zhang Youxia, one of China’s two top military officials and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the People’s Republic of China, is traveling to Pakistan.
General Zhang met with Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir one-on-one before holding talks at the delegation level.
“Matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics, measures for regional stability, and enhancing bilateral defense cooperation” were the main topics of the talks, according to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Gen. Zhang discussed Pakistan’s continuous counterterrorism initiatives, which continue to be a major point of conversation between the two nations because of the increasing number of assaults against Chinese people employed in Pakistan.
The Foreign Office has emphasized that counterterrorism cooperation between the two nations is predicated on mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty, despite media reports that Beijing is looking for a more active role in guaranteeing the protection of its citizens in Pakistan.
The two sides discussed the events in Afghanistan, especially the existence of terrorist organizations, and India’s involvement in the region under the regional stability head.
Gen. Li Qiaoming, the commander of the People’s Liberation Army Ground Forces, visited Pakistan in late August before the visit by the CMC deputy chairman.
Furthermore, Pakistan is hosting a joint military exercise called Warrior-VIII in which Chinese forces are now taking part. The exercises are intended to improve combined counter-terrorism operational capabilities and go through mid-December.
Gen. Munir emphasized the Pakistan-China relationship’s robustness during the discussions, pointing out that it can endure changes in regional and global circumstances. He conveyed his appreciation for China’s steadfast backing of Pakistan.
In response, Gen. Zhang confirmed China’s commitment to fortifying the long-standing bilateral relationship and commended Pakistan’s commitment to the strategic alliance.
Gen. Zhang promised to strengthen and broaden practical collaboration, improve military-to-military ties, and jointly protect the shared interests of both nations while advancing regional peace and stability during the two generals’ most recent meeting in Beijing in April 2023.
