China envoy lauds PAF's 'excellence'

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong has lauded the "operational excellence" demonstrated by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) personnel during the recent standoff on the eastern front, terming it a reflection of PAF's high standards and unwavering commitment to national defence.

During a meeting with Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu on Tuesday in the Air Headquarters in Islamabad, Zaidong praised the PAF for its "exemplary professionalism" and "commendable utilization" of Chinese-origin equipment and technology to thwart enemy aggression.

Following missile strikes inside Pakistan on May 7, PAF's J-10 fighter jets which are made in collaboration with China engaged in a dogfight with fighter jets of Indian Air Force over the contested valley of Kashmir. During this combat, the PAF downed six Indian aircraft including three Rafales, in a major blow to India.

The Chinese ambassador acknowledged the PAF's operational effectiveness and strategic acumen in employing indigenous solutions and advanced systems to safeguard national interests and deter potential threats under the current leadership.

Reaffirming China's enduring support, the ambassador assured full technical assistance to the PAF in order to bolster its aerial defence capabilities. He also lauded Pakistan's commitment to self-reliance and emphasized that the PAF's investment in indigenous processes had begun to yield promising results. He stressed that continued focus on homegrown technological development would further elevate the country's defence capabilities.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), both dignitaries engaged in a comprehensive and in-depth discussion on a range of matters including corporate-level engagements, defence cooperation and the evolving geostrategic environment in the region.

They underscored the importance of cohesive and collaborative approaches in responding to emerging challenges, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining peak operational readiness and swift coordination amidst the prevailing regional security dynamics.

Earlier, the air chief extended a gracious welcome to the ambassador, reiterating that Pakistan and China enjoy historic and time-tested ties rooted in mutual trust, strategic convergence and shared aspirations for regional peace and stability.

He described the two nations as "Iron Brothers," emphasizing that their bond has only strengthened over the decades and will continue to deepen through future cooperation and partnership. The air chief also expressed his profound gratitude to China for its continued support and unwavering friendship.

He also commended China's role in assisting Pakistan's defence modernization and technological advancement especially in areas of human resource development, technology transfer and collaborative research & development.

Both the dignitaries reaffirmed their pledge to institutionalize regular high-level exchanges through expanded joint operational exercises and exploration of multilateral frameworks that bolster collective response mechanisms to emerging threats.

"This meeting stands as a testament to the shared resolve of Pakistan and China to advance their time-tested strategic partnership through deepened cooperation and innovation-driven collaboration," the statement added.