• Congratulates People’s Liberation Army on its 99th founding anniversary
• Hails friendship between both countries as ‘unique, time-tested’

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Field Marshal Asim Munir said on Saturday that the friendship between Pakistan and China was “unique, time-tested and has remained steadfast in the face of evolving regional and global challenges”.

He made the remarks while addressing a ceremony at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi to commemorate the 99th anniversary of the founding of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

According to the military’s med­ia wing, China’s Ambassador to Pak­­istan Jiang Zaidong was the guest of honour.

China’s Defence Attaché, Major General Wang Zhong, officials from the Chinese embassy and senior military officers from Pakistan’s tri-services also attended the ceremony.

The ISPR said Field Marshal Mu­­nir extended a warm welcome to the guests and congratulated the PLA on its 99th founding anniversary.

“He paid tribute to the PLA’s remarkable contributions to China’s defence, national development, and international peace and security,” it said.

“Highlighting the enduring strength of Pakistan-China relations, the field marshal observed that the friendship between the two countries is unique, time-tested and has remained steadfast in the face of evolving regional and global challenges,” it added.

‘True partners’

“He reaffirmed that the Pakis­tan armed forces and the PLA are true partners, bound by mutual trust, unwavering support and a shared commitment to regional peace, stability and the protection of common strategic interests.”

The statement said the Chinese ambassador thanked the field marshal for hosting the commemorative event.

“He acknowledged the Pakistan armed forces’ significant contributions and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and reaffirmed China’s unwavering support for Pakistan and its enduring commitment to further strengthening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries,” the statement added.

At last year’s commemoration ceremony at the GHQ, Field Marshal Munir had said the “enduring partnership” between Pakistan and China would continue to play a pivotal role in regional stability.

Pakistan and China share a longstanding strategic partnership rooted in mutual trust, economic cooperation and regional connectivity. Over the decades, bilateral ties have expanded across trade, energy, defence and infrastructure, with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) symbolising the two countries’ shared vision for development.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2026