Pakistan, China reaffirm ironclad defence partnership at PLA's 99th anniversary

• Air Chief Zaheer Babar says Pakistan-China friendship remains time-tested despite evolving regional dynamics

• Military cooperation described as a key pillar of regional peace, collective security and strategic stability

• Beijing, Islamabad pledge to deepen defence collaboration, strategic coordination and institutional engagement

• Chinese envoy hails Pakistan's steadfast friendship as both sides celebrate PLA's 99th founding anniversary

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China on Thursday reaffirmed their deepening strategic partnership and expanding defence cooperation as the two countries marked the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) at a high-profile ceremony in Islamabad, underscoring the enduring strength of their "all-weather strategic cooperative partnership."

The commemorative event, hosted by Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong and Defence Attaché Major General Wang Zhong, brought together senior Pakistani civil and military officials, diplomats and members of the diplomatic corps, reflecting the close and longstanding ties between the two friendly countries.

According to a Gwadar Pro report, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Babar Sidhu attended the ceremony as the chief guest and extended congratulations to the Chinese leadership, the Communist Party of China and the People's Liberation Army on the occasion of the PLA's 99th founding anniversary.

Describing Pakistan-China relations as "time-tested and enduring," the Air Chief said the bilateral partnership has continued to flourish despite evolving regional and international dynamics.

He noted that mutual trust, strategic coordination and unwavering support for each other's core interests have transformed the friendship into one of the world's most resilient bilateral partnerships.

Emphasising the growing importance of military ties, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu said defence cooperation between the armed forces of Pakistan and China has become a vital pillar of regional peace, collective security and strategic stability. He added that bilateral military collaboration continues to expand through joint exercises, professional exchanges, defence technology cooperation and institutional engagement.

The Air Chief reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further broadening defence cooperation with China while simultaneously enhancing collaboration in the economic, technological, industrial and cultural spheres.

He expressed confidence that the comprehensive partnership between the two countries would continue to make a significant contribution to regional peace, prosperity and stability.

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong thanked Pakistan's military leadership for participating in the celebrations and reaffirmed Beijing's appreciation for Pakistan's consistent friendship and strategic support.

He said the PLA anniversary commemorates not only China's military achievements over nearly a century but also symbolises the enduring friendship and strategic trust that continue to define China-Pakistan relations.

Chinese Defence Attaché Major General Wang Zhong said defence cooperation between the two countries has continued to expand steadily, reflecting the shared commitment of both sides to safeguarding regional security and promoting common development.

Founded in 1927, the People's Liberation Army is the principal armed wing of the Communist Party of China and serves as the armed forces of the People's Republic of China.

With approximately 2.03 million active-duty personnel, the PLA remains the world's largest standing military, comprising the Ground Force, Navy, Air Force, Rocket Force and Aerospace Force.

Under President Xi Jinping, China is pursuing one of the most ambitious military modernisation programmes in its history, aimed at transforming the PLA into a world-class military by 2027.

The modernisation drive includes the rapid expansion of advanced naval capabilities, next-generation aerospace platforms, hypersonic missile systems, cyber warfare capabilities and strategic deterrence assets.

The ceremony concluded with Pakistan and China reaffirming their commitment to further deepen defence collaboration, expand strategic coordination and strengthen their enduring partnership, which both sides described as an important pillar of regional peace, security and long-term stability.