Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, reaffirmed the deep-rooted strategic alliance between Pakistan and China, describing it as “unique, time-tested, and exceptionally resilient” during a ceremony at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Friday. The event, marking the 98th anniversary of the founding of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), underscored the enduring partnership amid escalating regional tensions and global geopolitical shifts.

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, the chief guest, was joined by Defence Attaché Major General Wang Zhong, Chinese Embassy officials, and senior officers from Pakistan’s Army, Navy, and Air Force. Munir lauded the PLA’s pivotal role in China’s defense, security, and nation-building, emphasizing that the Pakistan-China relationship exemplifies “mutual trust, unwavering support, and shared commitment.” He stressed that despite “shifting strategic dynamics,” including recent India-Pakistan tensions over Kashmir, the bond remains “steadfast and unshakable,” playing a central role in promoting regional stability.

The ceremony follows Munir’s July 2025 visit to Beijing, where he met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and top PLA officials to deepen military cooperation. Discussions focused on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $62 billion flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which enhances Pakistan’s infrastructure and provides China access to the Arabian Sea via Gwadar Port. Munir assured Chinese leaders of robust security for Chinese personnel and projects, addressing concerns raised after recent attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan, including a March 2025 suicide bombing in Karachi that killed two Chinese engineers.

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Ambassador Zaidong praised Pakistan’s armed forces for their counterterrorism efforts and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to the “ironclad” partnership, a term echoed by Munir’s reference to the PLA and Pakistan Army as “true brothers-in-arms.” This military camaraderie is bolstered by joint exercises, such as the Shaheen air drills, and China’s role as Pakistan’s primary defense supplier, accounting for over 80% of its military imports.

The timing of Munir’s remarks is significant, coming amid heightened regional tensions following the April 2025 Pahalgam attack in Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians and strained India-Pakistan relations. Munir’s hardline stance, invoking the “two-nation theory” and calling Kashmir Pakistan’s “jugular vein,” has drawn criticism from India, which alleged Chinese support during the May 2025 conflict—a claim Munir denied. The strategic partnership with China, however, provides Pakistan a counterweight to India, particularly as the U.S. and U.N. push for de-escalation.

Critics, including Indian analysts, view Munir’s rhetoric as inflammatory, potentially emboldening nationalist sentiments. Yet, Pakistani officials maintain that the alliance with China focuses on economic and security cooperation, not provocation. As both nations navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, including Afghanistan’s instability and Iran’s cross-border tensions, the Pakistan-China axis remains a cornerstone of regional strategy, with Munir emphasizing its role in safeguarding shared interests.

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