The General Headquarters (GHQ) in Pakistan honoured the 97th anniversary of the formation of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) with tremendous reverence and fraternity. This event not only represented a celebrated moment in Chinese military history but also highlighted Pakistan and China's unbreakable friendship, which is based on mutual trust and strategic collaboration. His Excellency Mr. Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Pakistan, attended as the Chief Guest, along with Major General Wang Zhong, Defence Attaché, and other Chinese Embassy officials. Officers from Pakistan's three services also attended the ceremony, demonstrating the two countries' close military relations.
General Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff (COAS), welcomed the Chinese visitors and congratulated the PLA on its excellent contributions to China's defence, security, and national development. In his speech, General Munir emphasised the unique nature of Pakistan-China ties, which have withstood the changes in the strategic environment thanks to confidence and unflinching support.
"Relations between the Pakistan Army and the People's Liberation Army are strong," said Gen. Munir, "and both militaries continue to engage in bilateral military cooperation, demonstrating the iron-clad brotherhood between the two countries." Ambassador Jiang Zaidong reiterated this view, thanking the event's host and praising the Pakistani military's crucial role in counterterrorism and promoting regional peace and security.
The PLA centennial celebration at GHQ was more than just a ceremonial affair; it highlighted Pakistan and China's strong and complex partnership. This tie, formed in the furnace of shared strategic objectives and mutual respect, has only grown stronger over the years, notably in the areas of defence and military cooperation.
One of the most significant results of this relationship was the development and manufacture of defence equipment. Joint ventures in this sector not only increased self-reliance but also strengthened strategic ties. The combined manufacturing of defence gear, like as the JF-17 Thunder jet, demonstrated the level of technological cooperation and confidence between the two countries. The JF-17 project, in particular, is a symbol of this fruitful collaboration, with its completion being an important milestone in their defence cooperation.
In August 2004, the Chinese and Pakistani militaries conducted their first combined military exercise under the code name 'Friendship-2004'. This three-day simulation, held in Xinjiang, sought to improve law enforcement agencies' anti-terrorism skills. It was the first time a foreign army participated in a military exercise on Chinese land, and the PLA conducted a military exercise in Pakistan.
Subsequent drills, such as one in July 2010 in China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and another in November 2011 near Islamabad, emphasised tight military collaboration. Despite both nations' claims that these drills were not directed at any other country, the Indian media frequently depicted them as a possible threat, emphasising the regional ramifications of this expanding military alliance.
The air forces of both countries performed their first-ever combined exercise, 'Shaheen-2', in March 2011, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. These exercises not only improved operational capabilities but also strengthened mutual trust and understanding between the two forces.
Beyond joint drills, China and Pakistan's defence engagement has included strategic conversations and collaborative defence manufacturing initiatives. This decade saw the start of four significant collaborative manufacturing programmes, including the JF-17 aircraft, Fast Attack Craft (FAC) missile boats, and submarines. These initiatives, which are frequently started in China and finished in Pakistan, demonstrate the effective transfer of technology and the strengthening of defence cooperation.
The JF-17 Thunder aircraft, in particular, has been a key component of this relationship. The lightweight, multi-role combat aircraft, which the two countries built together, represents their technological and strategic synergy. The delivery of the first two aircraft to the Pakistan Air Force in March 2007 and 2009 was a key milestone in their defence partnership, with further manufacture taking place in Pakistan.
As the PLA's 97th anniversary was commemorated at GHQ, statements and feelings voiced emphasised not just past accomplishments but also the optimistic future of Pakistan-China military cooperation. The longstanding relationships, characterised by mutual trust, strategic alignment, and a common vision for regional security, are a source of strength for both countries.
The Chinese Ambassador's statements wonderfully captured this sentiment: "We stand ready to work with our brethren to combat terrorism and firmly believe that no force can destroy the iron-clad friendship between China and Pakistan, as well as the brotherhood between the two militaries." This steadfast commitment to each other's security and growth supports the strong defence alliance, which promises continuous collaboration and mutual assistance in the coming years.
The 97th anniversary of the PLA's founding, commemorated at GHQ, was a powerful reminder of the enduring and evolving partnership between Pakistan and China. This relationship, built on mutual trust, strategic cooperation, and shared interests, has weathered many challenges and continues to flourish. As both nations look to the future, their iron-clad friendship and strong military ties will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of regional stability and security.
