China vows to ‘always stand together’ with Pakistan in all challenges

Saying that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the Pakistan Army are brothers in arms, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that both armies will continue to contribute towards safeguarding collective interests, a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

The army chief was speaking at the 94th anniversary of the founding of PLA commemorated at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Thursday.

Ambassador of China to Pakistan Nong Rang, Defence Attache Major General Chen Wenrong, officials from the Chinese embassy and officers from the tri-services of Pakistan attended the event.

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Speaking on the occasion, according to the ISPR, the defence attaché thanked the COAS for hosting a reception on the eve of PLA’s 94th Anniversary. Recalling Chinese President Xi Jinping’s view that Pakistan Armed Forces are the mainstay of Pak-China strategic relations, he said 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," the ISPR quoted Maj Gen Chen Wenrong as saying.

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Gen Qamar felicitated the PLA’s leadership and lauded its role in China’s defence, security and nation-building, the statement added.

Highlighting various facets of the deep-rooted ties between the two states, militaries and the people, the COAS said the Pak-China relationship is unique and robust that has proven its resilience in the face of challenges.

"In the evolving security milieu, Pakistan-China partnership is becoming increasingly important for regional peace and stability," the army chief added. "Our past and present testify that we never gave in to challenges."

The army chief said that the PLA and the Pakistan Army are brothers in arms and the relationship between the two will continue to contribute towards safeguarding the collective interests.

To mark the day, the military band welcomed the guests playing Chinese tunes. The venue was specially decorated with Chinese colours theme. A Chinese flag made of red roses was presented on the occasion.

The venue was lit up with Chinese lanterns and special Chinese and Pakistani flags were among the highlights of the event.

To pay tribute to the Pakistan-China relations, a special documentary prepared by the ISPR was aired and a special song was sung by famous singer Ali Zafar and a Chinese singer.

The Chinese envoy and the defence attaché specially thanked the army chief for not only gracing the occasion but for also giving warm welcome.