Islamabad: China on Friday sought enhanced “pragmatic military cooperation” with Pakistan to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability in the face of the “ever-changing” global security situation. Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan, on an official visit to Pakistan, said the “all-weather” friendship between the two countries is a strategic choice of the two sides.
“China and Pakistan should continue to enhance pragmatic military cooperation to jointly safeguard regional peace and stability,” he was quoted as saying by China’s state-run Xinhua news agency.
During his meeting with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Chang said bilateral military ties “should become closer in the face of ever-changing international and regional security situations”.
Chang also called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who said Pakistan deeply values China’s support for its national security and territorial integrity. China has emerged the largest international investor in Pakistan, where it is pumping in billions of dollars in sectors like energy and telecommunications.
The two countries are also working on the ambitious Kashgar-Gwadar trade corridor that will pass through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which borders the restive Xinjiang province.
The project includes construction of a 200-km tunnel that will facilitate trade and commuters. Sharif said the corridor would benefit both countries and transform the regional economy as it would dovetail with the strategy of connecting South and Central Asia.
“Solid foundation for our time-tested and all-weather friendship is provided by strong mutual trust, excellent cooperation and convergence of views on regional and global issues,” Sharif said. The premier expressed confidence that Pakistan-China cooperation, including in defence, will continue to grow. Chang reiterated his government’s support for Pakistan.
Earlier in the day, the Chinese Minister met Pakistan Navy chief Admiral Asif Sandila and agreed on enhancing defence cooperation. Sandila said the Pakistan Navy would seek China’s cooperation to increase its defence capacity. Yesterday, Chang visited the army’s General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, where he was received by army chief Gen Raheel Sharif.
China has pledged to invest USD 35 billion in Pakistan’s power sector over the next five years, and this is over and above projects already initiated with Chinese help.
Beijing is helping build two large nuclear power plants in Karachi and is a major defence partner of Pakistan. Both countries jointly developed the JF-17 Thunder combat jets that they plan to sell to other countries. China recently provided a large quantity of anti-terror equipment for Pakistani security forces. (PTI)
