Top Chinese military officer to visit Pakistan, India

E-Paper | March 18, 2026

BEIJING: One of China's most senior military officers will visit Pakistan and India next month, China's defence ministry said on Thursday, making trips to neighbouring rivals which have very different relations with Beijing.

China and Pakistan describe each other as "all weather friends" and have tight links, and while Chinese and Indian relations have improved considerably since a brief border war in 1962, the two remain locked in a messy territorial dispute and deep suspicions persist.

Read: Pak-China military relations to reach unprecedented heights: COAS

Fan Changlong, one of the vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission which controls the Chinese armed forces and is headed by President Xi Jinping, will visit in the middle of November, ministry spokesman Yang Yujun told a regular news briefing.

The trip is to boost friendly exchanges and help "jointly maintain regional peace and security", Yang said, without elaborating.

Also read: Chinese navy chiefs to discuss South China Sea on Thursday

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A truthful Muslim

Oct 29, 2015 03:27pm

Chinese are all weather friends till they need others. Otherwise, most untruthful and untrustworthy people.

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oldest civilization

Oct 29, 2015 03:33pm

Now suddenly the Chinese will visit all the counties to improve their image and gain support for an anti US alliance after the naval ship incident of yesterday.

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sana-2

Oct 29, 2015 03:36pm

Is he visiting to resolve Kashmir in our favor.

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Atam Vetta

Oct 29, 2015 03:39pm

Indo-China relations are on the up. Xi rebuked a Chinese General when he created a problem at the Indo-China border during Xi's India visit. Recently, there were joint Indo-China military exercises. The Ufa declaration indicates that Xi regards himself as the arbiter in the Indo-Pak relations.

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Alien

Oct 29, 2015 03:48pm

he should be care full when visit India .... shev sina is on fire............

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mimi sur

Oct 29, 2015 03:57pm

Trying to garner support before taking against USA, Japan, the Phillipines, Vietnam and other countries.

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Shakti

Oct 29, 2015 04:05pm

China needs India on its side now that the US has started to show its true colors.

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Younus Ali (BD)

Oct 29, 2015 04:08pm

Dear Pakistani Brother. You should Create relation with Muslim World like Indonesia,Malaysia,Egypt,Turkey, Iran,Soudi-arab. China-India build-up relation because of huge potential Market each-other. They want to be supper Power and get support each other .they create problem in Muslim world and get advantage from them like USA. If we don`t Wake up we would face dangerous Problem. Like UK break Osmania sutanat, . If india get Supper Power then they first Breake Pakistan, then Get every state like UK in Muslim Sultanat in India. Be carefully Islamic Country. Be aware up Muslim. We have no Guardian country like christian USA, Hindu India, Buddhist China. Western country Breake up our Muslim Country and create a tiny piece that if we could not get Supper Power. So aware up Islamic Nation.

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Pakistan_Says

Oct 29, 2015 04:18pm

China making allies to become superpower.

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Failed Fisherman

Oct 29, 2015 04:22pm

You are our true friend until you have your issues of Your Business with Pakistan.

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Harmony-1

Oct 29, 2015 04:25pm

@Mimi Sur - "to garner support" he doesn't personally have to come to Pakistan as it would be easily possible through diplomatic channels. So let's not make conjectures.

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manav

Oct 29, 2015 04:26pm

the malabar exercies by usa-india-japan and recently usa naval warship breaching china boundary has scared china to the hilt . chinas economy nosediving and simultaneously usa-europe-india-japan-southkorea-australia ganging up against china and militarily threatning it has made china desperate.they know that thee are sorrounded on all sides.russia is today weakest ever bcoz of oil price touching rock bottom bottom.

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lafanga

Oct 29, 2015 04:33pm

India is in a pickle at the moment. US wants India to be part of US, Japan, India alliance to counter China in South China Sea. India cannot afford to say no to US and also be on wrong side of China. Just the other day China issued a stern warning to India not to join US alliance. China has made it clear that they won't tolerate any hegemony in South China Sea so this visit will be interesting. If push comes to shove, Pakistan knows it can rely on China but India needs to decide.

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Iftikhar Husain

Oct 29, 2015 04:37pm

The China Pakistan relations are great.

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Inqelab Zindabad

Oct 29, 2015 04:41pm

@Younus Ali (BD) wow

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Yogi

Oct 29, 2015 04:43pm

Shiv Sena should behave,the seat of SHIVJI is still in Mansarover CHINA

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Muhammad Usman

Oct 29, 2015 05:01pm

China and Pakistan are trust worthy friends. Pakistanis are grateful for China help.

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khanm

Oct 29, 2015 05:03pm

If a tri party resolution is sought out among India, Pakistan and china. i don't think ... we don't need to have any dependency on western world... it could become one of the most powerful region in the world. Our dependency makes slaves out of us, especially if this dependency is a dependency of our self-esteem..

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Adnan

Oct 29, 2015 05:05pm

@lafanga - Unlike us, India decides for her own benefit. They have good relations with Iran, Israel, Russia, US, China everybody. They play their cards well. In this case they will wait and watch and then decide, where there is going to be maximum benefit {Us, China or stay neutral}. Modi is a smart guy. Wish we had someone like him.

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Rana

Oct 29, 2015 05:07pm

@Alien yess, like last year Chinese president visit was postponed, shiv Sena may cause trouble again.

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Kandhkoti

Oct 29, 2015 05:20pm

can we expect any peace in the region unless the Kashmir issue is resolved between Pakistan and India is resolved and that of Arunachal Pardesh issue between China and India ?

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Kandhkoti

Oct 29, 2015 05:27pm

@Adnan They are already at daggers drawn with China over the issue of Arunachal pardesh and with Pakistan over that of Kashmir issue. India's proximity to USA has also caused a crack in the wall of friendship between Russia and India. India has lost many of its loyal friends owing to its double game on foreign policy front.

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Atam Vetta

Oct 29, 2015 05:36pm

@lafanga . Please read the Chinese statement with some care. There was no 'stern' warning to India. It was a carefully worded statement. There were Indo-China military exercises recently and army leaders' reciprocal visits are taking place. The fact is that China will do everything (read the Ufa Indo-Pak declaration) & pay any price to ensure that India does not join US, Japan, Philippines & Australia anti-China block.

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Kandhkoti

Oct 29, 2015 06:14pm

@Atam Vetta But India has already joined anti-China block when Modi agreed to sign a joint statement with Mr. Obama chiding Beijing for provoking conflict with neighbors over control of the South China Sea during Mr. Obama's visit to India this year.

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Junaid

Oct 29, 2015 06:19pm

"The trip is to boost friendly exchanges and help "jointly maintain regional peace and security", Yang said, without elaborating." -- Really, you're gonna jointly maintain regional peace and security with the same India that has made it its business to actively threaten and endanger that very peace and security! How funny.

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Zak

Oct 29, 2015 06:30pm

China is the new super power and they will help resolve kashmir issue.

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Kandhkoti

Oct 29, 2015 06:39pm

@Younus Ali (BD) No one can break us except our internal differences. Every country in the world is passing through some kind of agony. Some countries are faced with economic crisis while others are battling with insurgencies. Some are tackling the migrants issues while others at war are causing unprecedented exodus of our times. Some are fighting over claims on sea while others are at daggers drawn at border differences. Chaos exists ever where in the world, not to speak of Muslim world. Don't worry .

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Singh

Oct 29, 2015 06:56pm

@Zak India will do what is best in her own interest.China, US, UK or UN no one can force India.

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Singh

Oct 29, 2015 06:59pm

China needs another emerging superpower India on it's side but so do US & Japan. Time for India to decide wisely.

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Oct 29, 2015 08:21pm

Welcome to the club.

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IMRAN FAROOQ

Oct 29, 2015 08:22pm

China should play role of mediator to resolve Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan..

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LOCKHORN

Oct 29, 2015 08:23pm

@khanm Great point, I hope the trust level becomes high enough that China, India and Pakistan can sit across the table and resolve issues like civilized countries. Chest thumping on all sides is not helping any of us.

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Tariq

Oct 29, 2015 08:24pm

@A truthful Muslim aren't all others like that? your earn the respect by offering something in return in politics. What have we gain from US friendship so far?

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Zombie

Oct 29, 2015 08:28pm

India must remain neutral. That has been her strength

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zafar Iqbal

Oct 29, 2015 08:43pm

@Alien shiv sena only brave for Pakistan. Chinese don't mess. Where was shiv sina in 1962?

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zafar Iqbal

Oct 29, 2015 08:45pm

@Shakti. China don't trust India and never will!

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Taimoor Khan

Oct 29, 2015 09:14pm

We all know what kinda talk they will do in Islamabad and in Delhi. A reversal of the way American talk with Islamabad and Delhi.

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Sujeet

Oct 29, 2015 10:38pm

Can't imagine China as a World leader. It took me 10 years to learn English. Now who will learn Chinese? It is more difficult and there are 2 types of Chinese! Phew...

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john

Oct 29, 2015 10:40pm

I feel pity when people think that China is going to solve India-Pak issues. No sir, it never did and never dare to do it. They are the most hushed up country in the world and never publicizes anything. Be it occupying lands of other countries or turning countries into hostile. This is the reason for world's view for trust deficit.

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Rizwan

Oct 29, 2015 10:46pm

India should side with rest of the world while maintaining economic relations with China. Let's leave it at that. a suspicious trust of China is necessary for India to move forward.

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Saira Durrani K, Austin,TX

Oct 29, 2015 11:13pm

India and all vs Pakistan-China!

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Shahid

Oct 29, 2015 11:23pm

@A truthful Muslim In internatiinal relations, bilateral ties are underpinned by national interests. The earlier we understand this, the better it is for us

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torchbearer

Oct 30, 2015 12:00am

@zafar Iqbal china trusts Indian market and vice versa.

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Prem

Oct 30, 2015 12:15am

It is pretty surprising. NONE are talking about legality of a country (China) creating an artificial landmass by pumping sand, and put a circle around it and claim the sea. That is creating a precedence for US to create such an island next to Karachi too! What will stop them from from creating a landmass near Karachi (arabian sea), and put a circle around it, and make a millitary base? Look at incidences from international law (UNCLOS) point of view, and make your judgement.

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Pakistani

Oct 30, 2015 12:17am

America Russia British all failed to keep India and Pakistan together beyond religious field, China also wont be able to bring India and Pakistan close like two swords in one cover. China hoshyar bash.

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John Cool

Oct 30, 2015 12:20am

@IMRAN FAROOQ China should play role of mediator to resolve Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan.. India has to agree which it won't.Because Pakistan has NO bargaining chip.So move on and built your economy and hopefully some will take notice .

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John Cool

Oct 30, 2015 12:22am

@LOCKHORN @khanm Great point, I hope the trust level becomes high enough that China, India and Pakistan can sit across the table and resolve issues like civilized countries. Chest thumping on all sides is not helping any of us.

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mike

Oct 30, 2015 12:23am

@zafar Iqbal No one trust no one at world stage.Its all about with whom your interest is aligned in present....that's how it works. India-pak will never trust each other but still there is scope of working together just for mutual interest.Hope this will help.

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AKKS

Oct 30, 2015 12:25am

@A truthful Muslim absolutely true!

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sana-1

Oct 30, 2015 01:40am

@Prem What will they achieve with that? They have both pak and india in their pocket, iran is not something of so much concern to them except their nuclear arsenals.... for china if they have something like that in their mind then they will try that in south china sea and that will be a direct face-off with china......which for any reason they cant afford!

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sana-1

Oct 30, 2015 01:41am

@Saira Durrani K, Austin,TX If you go by that logic then i'm afraid you'll have to rethink about grouping!

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sana-1

Oct 30, 2015 01:42am

@Rizwan China is not something India can play with...a hard reality!

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sana-1

Oct 30, 2015 01:44am

@john you dont have to feel that way, because pakistan never asked china to intervene like that but you should know whom china sides with on kashmir issue and others....... i hope its already clear as its known world wide.

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sana-1

Oct 30, 2015 01:47am

@Sujeet 'Can't imagine China as a World leader' US got defaulted at china's hand and there's still some ambiguity?......calling night a night and day a day is the rule of this world i think....

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sana-1

Oct 30, 2015 01:48am

@Taimoor Khan Spot on!

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Vijay B.

Oct 30, 2015 03:33am

The article says "The trip is to boost friendly exchanges and help "jointly maintain regional peace and security", Yang said, without elaborating." Poppycock I say. He is coming to let both underlying countries to its south, India and Pakistan, know who is the boss in the area now. i wouldn't trust China to do something altruistic at all.

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kuttathi

Oct 30, 2015 04:54am

@Yogi Shiv sena are not followers of Lord Shiv,but of Marathi patriot Shivaji.

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David

Oct 30, 2015 05:27am

@Younus Ali (BD) Thanks brother. your comment very positive and sincere. Thanks again

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Javed

Oct 30, 2015 09:12am

@sana-1 actually ur in delima might b Pakistan on china pocket but not India in India govt band all Chinese electronics item and dolls due to safety major bcoz they are not reliable and made in India products are more reliable more over India have enough money not like Pakistan 90% investment from china we merely 7% investment from china for eg. India already build around 500 dams without taking loan from others while for Pakistan to build a even 3 rd dam is not possible due to money feel the difference just make chest thumping not progress the country actual things are seen practically as world bank and other economic forum say growth rate off India is 7.5% these year with 3 trillion us dollar economy while Pakistan with only 20 million us dollar economy grow with 3.7% see the difference

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Must read this..

Oct 31, 2015 08:42am

China just cannot afford instability in its neighborhood,as it has invested billions of USDs in Afghanistan,as well as in Pakistan,& India,CPEC in Pakistan,and bullet train project in India ,deal expected soon.And being champion in resolving issues,like in Vietnam,N.Korea/S.Korea,China will surely succeed in calming and cooling the situation in Indo-Pak Sub-Continent.Things seem better in this region.

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Sudhanshu Swami

Oct 31, 2015 11:29am

@zafar Iqbal Shiv sena was founded in 1966

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Peekay

Oct 31, 2015 11:44am

@sana-1 just check da video of indian soldiers talking to chiniese soldier

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Fakira

Oct 31, 2015 12:44pm

@Zak What superpower! US entered in and they keep just watching?

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Tony Singh

Oct 31, 2015 01:00pm

@lafanga "If push comes to shove, Pakistan knows it can rely on China but India needs to decide." We Indians do not rely on US or China, we rely on ourselves. Period

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sana-2

Oct 31, 2015 08:49pm

@Javed First of all read what did i say......should i simplify?

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sachin

Oct 31, 2015 10:28pm

China is a very mature and responsible nation. Hope they become a positive force and help decrease India Pak mistrust.

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sachin

Oct 31, 2015 10:49pm

Why do we individuals think in terms of countries. We all have challenges with our own family, our own neighbors and relatives on the same street, our own bosses etc....... Yeh sub China Pak dosti, Pak India dushmani, US India dosti, Russia India dosti , Russia China dosti....yeh soch bekar hain... Dosti aur pyaar happens between 2 humans who share same food from same plate. It does not happens between 2 nations. Between nations , it is only self interests.

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