China reassures support to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty

DIPLOMATIC CORNER: China’s Military, Naval & Air Attache Major-General Chen Wenrong has said that Pakistan and China military relationship has always served as the pillar to the bilateral relationship.

“The brotherly friendship and pragmatic collaboration between the two armed forces have expanded in the field of joint exercises, personal exchanges, training, equipment as well as counter terrorism,” he said while addressing the audiences at a reception arranged to observe the 91st anniversary of the founding of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, and Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing were among the notables who attended the reception hosted by the China Embassy.

Since its foundation on Aug 1, 1927, the PLA has grown into a modernized and professional multiple-services armed force with world fame as a civilized and peaceful military force that is playing its leading role for world peace, Chen Wenrong said.

“China’s enhanced defence capability is a source of peace, stability and prosperity. We are following a policy of non-confrontation and peaceful coexistence. China, under the great leadership of President Xi Jinping, is striving hard to realise the dream of the national rejuvenation and moving towards a shared destiny at regional and international level,” he said.

Assuring China’s full support to Pakistan to safeguard its national sovereignty, the Chinese military officer said that China fully acknowledges and appreciate Pakistan’s efforts to fight out terrorism. In his speech as the chief guest, Gen Zubair Hayat on behalf of all ranks of Pakistan Army, congratulated all ranks of the PLA on the occasion of the celebrations of the 91th anniversary of the PLA establishment.

“Pakistan army and people of Pakistan take great pride in our deep rooted brotherly relationship with China,” he said. “We are delighted on the rise of China almost all fields.” Referring to his long personal and professional association with the Chinese armed forces, he said that the PLA enjoys high military’s caliber. He lauded the ongoing reforms to strengthen the Chinese armed forces.

He noted that the relations between the two armies are based on the solid foundation and these kept growing with a passage of time. General Zubair reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to ensure successful completion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He assured that the Pakistan Army would continue to provide complete security to the Chinese workers, who are engaged in the CPEC’s projects.

He also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to one-China policy and adopting a common position on all regional and international issues. Citing Pakistan’s resolve towards peace and stability, he said they will keep up their efforts, combating the three evils, separatism, terrorism and extremism.