Daily Times

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa Thursday said that amid evolving security milieu, Pakistan-China partnership is becoming increasingly important for the regional peace and stability.

The army chief said this while addressing a ceremony organised at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on the occasion of the 94th anniversary of the founding of Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA), said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday. General Bajwa was the chief guest of the ceremony, which was attended by Ambassador of China Nong Rang, Defence Attache Major General Chen Wenrong, officials from Chinese embassy and officers from tri-services of Pakistan.

The COAS felicitated PLA’s leadership and lauded their role in China’s defence, security and nation building. Highlighting various facets of the deep-rooted ties between the two states, militaries and the people, the COAS said, “Pakistan-China relationship is unique and robust that has proven its resilience in the face of challenges.”

Gen Bajwa said, “Our past and present testifies that we have never given into challenges. PLA and Pakistan Army are brothers in arms and our relationship will continue to contribute towards safeguarding our collective interests.”

Speaking on the occasion, China’s Defence Attaché Major General Chen Wenrong thanked General Bajwa for hosting a reception on the eve of the PLA’s 94th Anniversary. Recalling Chinese President Xi Jinping’s view that Pakistan armed forces are the mainstay of Pakistan-China strategic relations, the defence attaché said that China and Pakistan are iron brothers, all-weather friends and strategic partners. “No matter how the world situation changes, we will always stand together in safeguarding our national sovereignty, territorial integrity and maintaining regional peace and stability,” he vowed.

To mark the day, the military band welcomed the guests playing Chinese tunes. The venue was specially decorated with Chinese theme. A Chinese flag made of red roses was presented on the occasion. The Chinese envoy and the defence attaché specially thanked the army chief for not only gracing the occasion but for also giving a warm welcome.