China, Pakistan pledge deeper military ties

By Jiang Chenglong General Zhang Shengmin, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, met with visiting Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan's Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of the Army Staff, in Beijing on Tuesday, according to China's Ministry of National Defense. Zhang said the leaders of China and Pakistan have provided strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations, pushing forward the deepening of the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. He stressed that military-to-military relations are an important pillar of ties between the two countries. China is willing to work with Pakistan to follow the strategic guidance of the two countries' leaders, carry forward their traditional friendship, strengthen strategic communication, and deepen practical cooperation, Zhang said. He added that China is ready to work with Pakistan to firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests, strengthen coordination in international and regional affairs, and contribute to the development and security of the two countries, the region, and the wider world. Munir said developing relations with China is a cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy, and that Pakistan appreciates China's long-standing support and assistance. No matter how the international situation changes, Pakistan will always remain China's good friend and partner, he said. Pakistan will further deepen practical cooperation with China in defense, security and other fields, and continue to elevate the ironclad friendship between Pakistan and China to new heights, Munir said.