Gen Bajwa says Pak-China ties unique, robust

RAWALPINDI: Highlighting various facets of the deep-rooted ties between the two states, militaries and peoples, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Thursday said the Pakistan-China relationship was unique and robust and had proven its resilience in the face of challenges.

The COAS was speaking at the 94th anniversary of the founding of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which was commemorated at the GHQ here. He said in the evolving security milieu, the Pakistan-China partnership was becoming increasingly important for regional peace and stability. "Our past and present testifies that the two states never gave in to challenges.

"The PLA and Pakistan Army are brothers in arms and our relationship will continue to contribute towards safeguarding our collective interests," the COAS said. Speaking on the occasion, China’s defence attaché thanked the COAS for hosting a reception in connection with the PLA’s 94th founding anniversary. Recalling Chinese President Xi Jinping’s view that Pakistan armed forces are the mainstay of Pak-China strategic relations, the defence attaché said China and Pakistan were iron brothers, all-weather friends and strategic partners. "No matter how the world situation changes, we will always stand together in safeguarding our national sovereignty, territorial integrity and maintaining regional peace and stability," he said. The COAS felicitated PLA’s leadership and lauded its role in China’s defence, security and nation building.