Islamabad, August 24 – China’s Foreign Ministry has lauded the leadership of Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, calling the Pakistan Army a “pillar of national stability” and a “steadfast guardian” of the enduring China–Pakistan friendship. The remarks came following a high-level meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and COAS Munir in Islamabad on August 21.
According to a statement released in Beijing, Wang Yi praised the Pakistan Army’s role in implementing the consensus reached by leaders of both countries, stressing that stronger cooperation between China and Pakistan contributes to regional stability and lasting peace. He also reaffirmed China’s firm support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.
Responding to the remarks, Field Marshal Munir described China as “Pakistan’s ironclad friend” and underscored that the bilateral partnership remains “as solid as a rock.” He thanked Beijing for its consistent backing of Pakistan’s social and economic development and noted that the friendship with China enjoys broad support across Pakistani society. Munir also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to intensifying counterterrorism cooperation and ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals and projects within the country.
During the meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen their all-weather strategic partnership and expand cooperation across multiple sectors.
The talks were held as part of Wang Yi’s three-day visit to Pakistan, undertaken at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Apart from his engagement with the army chief, Wang also held meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari.
The visit unfolded against a backdrop of shifting regional dynamics. While Pakistan has recently witnessed a notable improvement in its relations with the United States, India’s partnership with Washington has experienced visible strain. At the same time, tentative efforts at a reset between Beijing and New Delhi have drawn regional attention.
Analysts had speculated that China’s outreach to India might be linked to Pakistan’s warmer ties with Washington, raising questions about the possible impact on Islamabad’s relations with Beijing. However, both Wang Yi and Ishaq Dar dismissed such notions, insisting that the Pakistan–China relationship has endured for decades and is not dictated by external alignments.
In a joint message, the two sides reiterated that their “iron-clad, all-weather” partnership remains unaffected by ongoing geopolitical shifts, underlining once again the centrality of the China–Pakistan relationship in the region’s evolving landscape.
