China’s Foreign Ministry has applauded the leadership of Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, describing the Pakistan Army as a stabilising force in the country and a steadfast guardian of the enduring China–Pakistan friendship, PTV World reported on Sunday.
This acknowledgment followed a high-level meeting between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and COAS Munir in Islamabad on August 21.
In its statement, the Foreign Ministry said Wang Yi praised the Pakistan Army as a pillar of national stability and a steadfast guardian of the China–Pakistan friendship, noting the military’s role in advancing consensus reached by the leadership of both countries.
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Highlighting the strength of bilateral ties, Wang Yi emphasised that fostering stronger China–Pakistan relations contributes to regional peace and stability, while reaffirming Beijing’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s territorial integrity and national security.
Field Marshal Munir responded by calling China “Pakistan’s ironclad friend” and emphasised that their strategic partnership was “as solid as a rock.” He expressed appreciation for Beijing’s long-standing support for Pakistan’s economic and social development, noting that the friendship enjoys broad consensus across Pakistani society.
He further outlined Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing counterterrorism cooperation and ensuring the protection of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan. Both sides agreed to consolidate their all-weather strategic partnership and continue advancing mutual cooperation.
The meeting took place during Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s three-day official visit to Pakistan, arranged at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. During his visit, Wang Yi also met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari.
His visit came against the backdrop of a host of regional and international developments marked by new realignments. On the one hand, there had been a dramatic turnaround in Pakistan's relationship with the United States, while on the other, India's ties with Washington had hit their lowest ebb. Amid all this, there had also been a reset in the relationship between China and India.
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Some speculated that China's outreach to India could be linked to Pakistan's warming ties with Beijing's principal adversary, the United States. Similarly, Pakistan's closeness with the Trump administration was believed to possibly persuade Islamabad to maintain some distance from Beijing.
However, both Wang Yi and Dar dismissed such speculation and stated that the Pakistan-China relationship had stood the test of time and was not dependent on external factors.
Both countries delivered a collective message that current geostrategic developments and realignments would not have any negative impact on their "iron-clad and all-weather strategic partnership."
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