CHAIRMAN Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza has lauded the role of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in China’s remarkable progress and rapid modernization under the visionary leadership of President Xi Jinping — a transformation that has made the People’s Republic of China a key pillar of peace, stability and prosperity.
Speaking at a function to mark 98th founding anniversary of the PLA, he reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan and emphasized continued cooperation on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), enhancement of defence ties and promotion of regional harmony and development.
The contents of the high-sounding speech and the spirit with which it was delivered reflected the depth of multi-dimensional ties between Pakistan and China, which is considered by diplomatic circles as a model relationship. In fact, the composition of the participants of the ceremony, which included senior civil and military officials, media representatives, business figures and members of civil society, reflected broad-based support for the enduring Pakistan-China friendship. The assessment of the CJCSC about China’s decisive role as a factor of stability, peace and economic prosperity both at regional and global levels is corroborated by countless developments and initiatives by the Chinese leadership including the epoch-making One-Belt, One Road (OBOR), its successful implementation in the shape of CPEC, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and Beijing’s reconciliatory role as evident from Saudi-Iran rapprochement and accord among Palestinian factions. Similarly, the remarks of General Sahir Shamshad about strategic ties between Pakistan and China become understandable as China stood like a rock with Pakistan during the recent war expressing its total support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. The CJCSC also conveyed a clear message and rightly so that strong bond between the armed forces of China and Pakistan has been a cornerstone of their bilateral relationship, especially in fostering regional peace and stability.
