Beijing/Islamabad, July 25 (PTI) – In a significant diplomatic move, Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir, recently elevated to Field Marshal, embarked on his first official visit to China. His strategic discussions with high-level Chinese officials centered on fortifying cooperation across multiple sectors. Munir engaged in separate talks with Vice President Han Zheng, General Zhang Youxia, a prominent military figure, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as reported by China's state media. This visit follows India's Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure in territories under Pakistan's control, a response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The operation resulted in four days of intense clashes, concluding with an agreement to cease military actions on May 10. During the confrontation, Pakistan deployed military equipment supplied by China. Munir's trip to China also comes on the heels of his visit to Washington, where he met U.S. President Donald Trump to foster stronger ties with the U.S., China's strategic competitor. Coinciding with Munir's visit, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is in Washington to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, after attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Foreign Ministers' meeting in China on July 14. According to a statement from Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Chinese leaders praised the Pakistan Armed Forces for their resilience and crucial role in promoting peace in South Asia. The Chinese military leadership expressed complete confidence in the strength of the bilateral defense partnership and recognized Pakistan's essential contribution to regional peace, as per a statement quoted by Pakistani newspaper Dawn. Munir's talks with Han and Wang addressed the evolving regional and global political landscape, initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and coordinated responses to mutual geopolitical challenges. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the depth of their bilateral engagement and reaffirmed their commitment to sovereign equality, multilateral cooperation, and lasting regional stability. During his meeting with Munir, Han emphasized the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between China and Pakistan, characterized by high-level trust and solidarity, as reported by the state-run Xinhua news agency. Han stated China's willingness to work with Pakistan to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of both nations, enhance their all-weather friendship, and expand cooperation across various domains. Munir assured Han that Pakistan's military is prepared to further the consensus reached by their leaders and deepen the strategic cooperative partnership. General Zhang, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, led by President Xi Jinping, congratulated Munir on his promotion and highlighted the importance of military-to-military relations between China and Pakistan as a pillar of their bilateral relationship, according to a defense ministry press release. Both parties agreed to implement the leaders' consensus, improve strategic communication, and enhance practical cooperation. China pledged to work with Pakistan to foster regional peace and development and to build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future, Zhang added. He also expressed China's readiness to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation with Pakistan and urged Pakistan to take necessary measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions in Pakistan. This concern arises from frequent deadly attacks by militant groups, including the Balochistan Liberation Army, targeting Chinese nationals working on the $60 billion CPEC project. Munir assured that Pakistan will combat terrorism and protect Chinese allies in the country. He further expressed Pakistan's commitment to expanding practical cooperation and elevating bilateral and military relations. On Thursday, Munir met with Wang, who reiterated China's prioritization of Pakistan in its neighborhood diplomacy. China-Pakistan relations continue to progress under President Xi's strategic guidance, Wang mentioned. He emphasized the Pakistani military's role as a steadfast defender of national interests and supporter of China-Pakistan friendship, according to a press release from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. China pledged its support for Pakistan in resolutely fighting terrorism and anticipated the Pakistani military's ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan. Munir expressed gratitude for China's longstanding support in Pakistan's economic and social development, as per the release.
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