ZUBAIR QURESHI
People’s Republic of China (PRC) celebrated on Wednesday the 99th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), reaffirming commitment to expanding strategic defence cooperation and strengthening long-standing “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” with China’s iron-brother Pakistan.
The commemorative ceremony reflecting rich Chinese colours, culture, cuisine and heritage was jointly hosted by Ambassador Jiang Zaidong of China and Defence Attaché Major General Wang Zhong.
Chief of Pakistan’s Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu was the Chief Guest on this auspicious occasion.
The event was attended by a large number of senior Pakistani civil and military officials, parliamentarians, diplomats, business community representatives and the Chinese nationals.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu congratulated the Chinese leadership, the Communist Party of China and the PLA on the occasion.
He described Pakistan-China relations as “time-tested and enduring,” saying the friendship has grown stronger despite changing regional and global circumstances.
Air Chief Marshal said mutual trust, strategic coordination and unwavering support for each other’s core interests have made Pakistan-China ties one of the world’s strongest bilateral partnerships. The Air Chief emphasized that defence cooperation between the armed forces of both countries has become a cornerstone of regional peace, security and strategic stability through joint exercises, professional exchanges, defence technology cooperation and institutional collaboration.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further enhancing defence ties while expanding cooperation in economic, technological, industrial and cultural fields, expressing confidence that the comprehensive partnership would continue promoting peace, prosperity and stability across the region.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chinese Ambassador Mr Jiang Zaidong thanked Pakistan’s military leadership for participating in the celebrations and appreciated Pakistan’s consistent friendship and strategic support. He said the PLA anniversary reflects not only China’s military achievements but also the enduring trust and friendship between China and Pakistan.
Chinese Defence Attaché Major General Wang Zhong highlighted the steady growth of bilateral defence cooperation, stating that both countries remain committed to safeguarding regional security and promoting shared development.
The People’s Liberation Army, founded in 1927, is the armed wing of the Communist Party of China and the armed forces of the People’s Republic of China. With approximately 2.03 million active-duty personnel, it is the world’s largest standing military and is undergoing an extensive modernization programme under President Xi Jinping aimed at transforming it into a world-class military by 2027.
The ceremony concluded with both countries reaffirming their resolve to deepen strategic coordination and defence collaboration in support of regional peace, security and long-term stability.
