Chinese FM Lauds Pakistan Army, Pledges Stronger Security and Economic Partnership

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has described the Pakistan Army as the “ballast of national stability” and a firm guardian of China-Pakistan friendship, underscoring Beijing’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties.

The remarks were shared in a statement issued by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a meeting between Wang Yi and Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

According to the statement, Wang Yi emphasized that the Pakistan military has consistently supported the implementation of key understandings reached between the leadership of the two nations. He noted that in a world marked by uncertainty and turbulence, a stronger China-Pakistan relationship is essential for maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Highlighting the strategic importance of Pakistan, Wang Yi said Beijing has always prioritized Pakistan in its neighborhood diplomacy. He added that relations between the two countries have endured the test of time, emerging stronger with each challenge. The Chinese foreign minister described the bond as an “unbreakable traditional friendship” and reiterated China’s firm support for Pakistan in defending its territorial integrity and national security. He also welcomed Pakistan’s greater role in international affairs.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry’s statement further quoted Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as reaffirming Pakistan’s strong commitment to its ties with China, calling Beijing an “ironclad friend” and a trusted partner that has stood by Pakistan in all circumstances. He said that the strategic partnership between the two nations is “as solid as a rock” and reflects a consensus shared across Pakistani society.

The army chief expressed deep appreciation for China’s longstanding support to Pakistan, particularly in its economic and social development. He assured Wang Yi that Pakistan’s military is committed to enhancing cooperation with China in the fields of counter-terrorism and security. He pledged continued efforts to ensure the safety and protection of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions operating in Pakistan, describing this as a vital contribution to the consolidation of the two countries’ all-weather strategic partnership.

Pakistan and China share a decades-long strategic partnership, often described as “higher than the Himalayas, deeper than the oceans, and sweeter than honey.” Central to this bond is the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. CPEC has brought major investments in infrastructure, energy, and connectivity, but it has also faced challenges, particularly in terms of security threats to Chinese nationals working in Pakistan. These concerns have made counter-terrorism cooperation between the two nations a priority.

The recent meeting between Wang Yi and Field Marshal Munir comes at a time when both countries are seeking to reinvigorate economic collaboration amid regional volatility. For Pakistan, which is struggling with economic difficulties and security challenges, China remains its most reliable partner. For Beijing, Pakistan’s stability is seen as crucial for the success of CPEC and its broader regional influence.

The meeting underscored the shared determination of both sides to safeguard mutual interests, strengthen people-to-people ties, and further advance cooperation under CPEC.