CDF Asim Munir, China discuss regional power dynamics

Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir held talks with a visiting Chinese official on Monday, focusing on regional and international security developments and ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and China.

Liu Haixing, minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (IDCPC), met Field Marshal Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi during his visit to Pakistan.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting covered matters of mutual interest, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries.

Field Marshal Munir highlighted the historic relationship between Islamabad and Beijing, stressing the importance of continued high-level engagement, stronger institutional cooperation and expanded collaboration in areas of shared interest.

Liu Haixing acknowledged Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and stability. He also expressed confidence that cooperation between the two countries would continue to grow.

In a separate meeting in Islamabad, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also held discussions with the visiting Chinese minister.

Haixing conveyed greetings from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, which Dar warmly reciprocated. The Pakistani deputy prime minister also extended greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping on behalf of the country’s leadership.

Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with China.

The two sides also explored opportunities to expand cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. They agreed to maintain close coordination and build on the positive momentum in bilateral relations.

The diplomatic engagements come as Pakistan and China continue to expand cooperation across trade, infrastructure, defence, energy and regional connectivity.

Recently, the two countries signed an agreement to introduce a green channel at the Sost-Khunjerab border crossing for agricultural and related products, aiming to facilitate bilateral trade.

The two countries also launched the China-Pakistan Information Corridor last week. The initiative will focus on four areas: media, business and enterprises, think tanks, and culture and tourism.

Pakistan and China have maintained close strategic ties for decades, with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) remaining a major component of their economic and infrastructure cooperation.