By Dr Lubna Farah
RAWALPINDI: The General Headquarters (GHQ) on Saturday hosted a ceremony to commemorate the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of the People’s Republic of China, reaffirming the enduring strategic partnership and close defence cooperation between Pakistan and China.
The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan, as the Guest of Honour. Also present were Major General Wang Zhong, Defence Attaché of China, officials of the Chinese Embassy, and senior officers from Pakistan’s Army, Navy and Air Force.
Welcoming the distinguished guests, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, extended warm congratulations to the Government, armed forces and people of China on the PLA’s 99th founding anniversary.
In his remarks, the Field Marshal paid tribute to the PLA’s significant contributions to China’s national defence, socio-economic development, and its constructive role in promoting regional and international peace and security.
Highlighting the strength of Pakistan-China relations, he said the friendship between the two countries is unique, time-tested and has consistently withstood evolving regional and global challenges. He noted that the bilateral relationship continues to serve as a cornerstone of peace, stability and development in the region.
The Army Chief reaffirmed that the Pakistan Armed Forces and the PLA remain trusted strategic partners, bound by mutual respect, unwavering support and a shared commitment to safeguarding common strategic interests while promoting regional security and stability.
Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong thanked the Pakistan Army leadership for hosting the commemorative event and expressed appreciation for the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
The Chinese envoy acknowledged the Pakistan Armed Forces’ professionalism, sacrifices and achievements in the fight against terrorism and reiterated China’s firm support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, security and development.
He also reaffirmed Beijing’s unwavering commitment to further deepening the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between China and Pakistan, emphasizing continued cooperation across defence, security and other areas of mutual interest.
The ceremony reflected the longstanding defence ties and strategic trust shared by Pakistan and China, underscoring both countries’ commitment to further expanding bilateral cooperation in support of regional peace, stability and common prosperity.
