Pakistan, China to deepen defence and aviation collaboration, says President

• President Zardari marks historic first with visit to China’s AVIC Complex, hails J-10 and JF-17 for strengthening PAF
• Briefed on J-20 stealth fighter, UAVs and advanced systems during state visit
• Travels Chengdu–Mianyang by high-speed train, briefed on safety and eco benefits

ISLAMABAD/SHANGHAI: President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday reaffirmed that Pakistan and China would continue to expand cooperation in defence production and aviation, further strengthening their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. The president said the induction of J-10 and JF-17 fighter aircraft had significantly enhanced the combat capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force, a fact clearly demonstrated during May 2025’s “Maraka-e-Haq” and “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.” On the 128th day since the ceasefire with India, President Zardari—who is constitutionally the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces—visited the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), China’s flagship aerospace and defence conglomerate engaged in designing and producing a wide range of military and civilian aircraft, the President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release. Accompanied by Chairman Pakistan People’s Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, the president toured the sprawling AVIC complex, which manufactures the J-10C fighter jet that played a crucial role in the recent conflict. During the visit, President Zardari interacted with AVIC engineers and scientists, commending their contributions in innovation, production, and emerging technologies. He was briefed on AVIC’s cutting-edge capabilities, including the J-10 fighter jet, co-production of the JF-17 Thunder, advancements in the J-20 fifth-generation stealth fighter, unmanned aerial vehicles, automated systems, and integrated command-and-control platforms for multi-domain operations. The president lauded AVIC as a symbol of China’s technological progress and a testament to the enduring strategic partnership between Pakistan and China. His visit marked a historic first, as no foreign head of state had previously visited the AVIC complex. High-Speed Train Journey Earlier in the day, President Zardari travelled by high-speed train from Chengdu to Mianyang, completing the journey in just half an hour. During the trip, he was briefed on the train’s operations, service standards, safety mechanisms, and environmental advantages. He was accompanied by Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla. Arrival in Shanghai Later, President Zardari arrived in Shanghai as part of his ongoing state visit to China. At the airport, he was warmly received by Chen Qun, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Shanghai Committee, and Ma Yinghui, Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of Shanghai Municipality. Pakistan’s Consul General in Shanghai and senior embassy officials were also present on the occasion.