By Khawaja Hamza

Rawalpindi, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Pakistan, on a significant official visit to the People’s Republic of China, during which he held a series of high-level meetings with senior Chinese political and military leadership in Beijing. The visit reaffirmed the ironclad strategic partnership and deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China.

According to a press release issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), during his engagements, the COAS called on His Excellency Han Zheng, Vice President of China, and His Excellency Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of China. The discussions focused on the evolving regional and global geopolitical landscape, connectivity initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the importance of coordinated responses to emerging shared challenges. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the depth of their bilateral engagement and reiterated their commitment to sovereign equality, multilateralism, and long-term regional stability. The Chinese leadership praised the Pakistan Armed Forces as a resilient and stabilizing force in South Asia.

On the military front, Field Marshal Asim Munir held detailed meetings with General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC); General Chen Hui, Political Commissar of the PLA Army; and Lieutenant General Cai Zhai Jun, Chief of Staff of the PLA Army. Upon arrival at PLA Army Headquarters, the COAS was accorded a guard of honour, reflecting the longstanding camaraderie between the armed forces of both nations.

These engagements featured in-depth discussions on defence and security cooperation, including counterterrorism efforts, joint training programs, defence modernisation, and institutional collaboration. Special emphasis was placed on enhancing operational interoperability and strategic coordination to address hybrid and transnational threats. The Chinese military leadership expressed full confidence in the bilateral defence partnership and acknowledged Pakistan’s vital role in promoting regional peace and stability.

Field Marshal Asim Munir thanked China for its unwavering support and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening military-to-military cooperation across all domains.

This visit underscores the growing depth of politico-military ties between the two countries and highlights their shared resolve to strengthen regional security through sustained dialogue and high-level engagements.