CDF reaffirms enduring strength of China ties

A ceremony was held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi to mark the 99th anniversary of the founding of China's People's Liberation Army on August 1, 2026. Photo: ISPR

Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Saturday reaffirmed the enduring strength of Pakistan-China relations, describing the friendship between the two countries as "unique, time-tested and steadfast despite evolving regional and global challenges," the military's media wing said.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), CDF Munir made the remarks while addressing a ceremony at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi marking the 99th anniversary of the founding of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA).

CDF Munir said the Pakistan armed forces and the PLA were true partners bound by mutual trust, unwavering support and a shared commitment to regional peace, stability and the protection of common strategic interests.

"He also paid tribute to the PLA's contributions to China's defence, national development, and international peace and security," the ISPR said.

The ISPR said that Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong also attended the ceremony as guest of honour. China's Defence Attaché to Pakistan, Major General Wang Zhong, officials of the Chinese Embassy, and senior military officers from Pakistan's tri-services were also present at the anniversary celebration.

The statement added that while addressing the gathering, Ambassador Jiang expressed appreciation to the field marshal for hosting the commemorative event.

"He acknowledged the Pakistani armed forces' contributions and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and reaffirmed China's unwavering support for Pakistan as well as its commitment to further strengthen the "All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership" between the two countries," it said.

Saturday's ceremony comes amid strengthened engagement between Islamabad and Beijing in defence, diplomacy and economic cooperation this year.

During Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to China in May, the two countries agreed to further deepen their "All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership", expand defence and security cooperation, accelerate work on CPEC 2.0 and maintain close coordination on regional and international issues.

They also reaffirmed support for each other's core interests and pledged enhanced counterterrorism cooperation and protection of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan.