Two-day visit: Gen Raheel discusses CPEC security with Chinese premier

Army chief also meets Chinese counterpart while visiting Beijing

ISLAMABAD: Army chief General Raheel Sharif met Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in Beijing on Monday, discussing defence ties and economic cooperation as he kicked off a two-day official tour to China.

Li said that the military-to-military relations have reinforced China-Pakistan ties, especially economic cooperation, according to Chinese newspaper Peoples Daily.

The Chinese premier called on both sides to strengthen high-level contact and deepen exchanges in various fields as he emphasised pushing forward economic cooperation and security collaboration “like two wheels”.

Li also hoped China and Pakistan increase communication and coordination on global and regional issues.

Terming the CPEC as a flagship project between the two sides, the Chinese premier said the mega project was conducive to development and prosperity of the whole region.

As he appreciated strong support from Pakistan government and military, Li said that the two countries will overcome challenges through joint efforts.

Gen Raheel appreciated the profound friendship between the two countries and said Pakistan is ready to provide security for cooperation.

Earlier, Gen Raheel visited China’s military headquarters and held detailed discussions with his Chinese counterpart Gen Li Zoucheng.

A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that after being presented a guard of honour by a smartly-turned out contingent from the Chinese Army, the two top commanders sat down to discuss measures to improve military to military cooperation, exponentially enhance training exchanges, defence technical and intelligence sharing.

The security of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) also came under discussion during the meeting between Gen Raheel and Gen Li.

The CPEC is dubbed as a game changer project that according to both Pakistan and China will not only benefit the two countries but also the entire region.

However, it is believed that India and the US are increasingly upset over the Chinese plans to seek access to Central Asia through a series of rail and road networks through Pakistan.

The visit of the army chief comes at a time when the US is ramping up pressure on Pakistan to act against the Haqqani Network, stop developing tactical nuclear weapons and release Dr Shakil Afridi, who worked for the CIA to track down Osama bin Laden.

Officials here believe that increased US pressure on Pakistan could be linked to its frustration over the CPEC.

A security official while speaking on condition of anonymity told The Express Tribune that in addition to meeting the senior military leadership, the army chief will also hold discussions with the top political leadership of China over steps to pre-empt any conspiracy against the CPEC.

He also met with Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission Fan Changlong.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2016.