RAWALPINDI – The General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi hosted a dignified ceremony on Thursday to commemorate the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China, underscoring the deep-rooted military diplomacy between the two neighboring nations.
Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, attended as the guest of honor, alongside Major General Wang Zhong, the Defence Attaché of China. The event brought together officials from the Chinese Embassy and senior military leadership from Pakistan’s tri-services, reflecting a unified display of strategic camaraderie.
Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir extended a warm welcome to the delegation and conveyed heartfelt congratulations to the PLA on its milestone anniversary. He lauded the PLA’s extraordinary journey, paying tribute to its pivotal role in safeguarding China’s sovereignty, driving national development, and to global peace and security.
A Time-Tested Alliance Against Regional Challenges
In his remarks, Field Marshal Munir emphasized the exceptional nature of the Pakistan-China relationship, describing it as a unique and time-tested bond that has weathered shifting geopolitical landscapes. He asserted that the friendship remains a cornerstone of stability in the region.
“The Pakistan Armed Forces and the PLA are true partners, bound by mutual trust and a shared commitment to regional peace,” the Field Marshal stated. He reaffirmed a joint dedication to protecting common strategic interests and maintaining unwavering support for each other.
Beijing Reaffirms Support for Islamabad
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Army for hosting the commemorative event. He formally acknowledged the immense contributions and sacrifices rendered by the Pakistan Armed Forces in the ongoing fight against terrorism.
The Ambassador reiterated China’s steadfast support for Pakistan, emphasizing Beijing’s commitment to further deepening the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. He noted that the bond between the two militaries serves as a pillar of this enduring friendship.
The ceremony at GHQ stands as a powerful symbol of the ironclad defense ties that continue to define the Pakistan-China strategic calculus in the face of contemporary security challenges.
