Qingdao, China — Defense Minister Khawaja Asif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering friendship with China on Thursday, calling the neighboring country both “a friend and a brother” during his address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers’ Meeting held in Qingdao, in China’s eastern Shandong province.
Speaking at the forum, Asif said the SCO holds immense potential as a platform for regional peace and cooperation, especially at a time when instability and tensions are on the rise in various parts of the world.
He emphasized that Pakistan sees the organization as a vital tool not only for strengthening mutual defense collaboration but also for supporting sustainable development across member states.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Asif also held bilateral talks with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun. During their meeting, he lauded China’s role in managing and diffusing regional tensions, praising Beijing’s “measured and responsible” diplomacy amid growing global uncertainties.
“Pakistan deeply values its ironclad friendship with China,” Asif said, adding that Islamabad is committed to working closely with Beijing in advancing three major global initiatives proposed by China — believed to refer to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and the Global Security Initiative (GSI).
He noted that these joint efforts are not only in line with the strategic interests of both countries but also serve the broader goal of regional harmony and economic progress.
The visit underscored the depth of Pakistan-China defense ties, at a time when both countries face shifting geopolitical landscapes and shared security concerns.
