ISLAMABAD — July 25, 2025
In a strong reaffirmation of the time-tested alliance between Islamabad and Beijing, China’s top diplomat Wang Yi reiterated his country’s steadfast support for Pakistan—especially in its ongoing fight against terrorism and efforts to ensure the security of Chinese citizens and infrastructure within the country.
The statement came during a high-level meeting in Beijing between General Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, and Wang Yi, who currently serves as both Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs and a senior member of the Communist Party’s powerful Politburo.
Lauding the Pakistani military as a “firm protector of national sovereignty,” Wang congratulated General Munir on his recent elevation to the ceremonial title of Field Marshal—a rare honor and one loaded with symbolic weight in Pakistan’s military hierarchy.
“China and Pakistan are more than just neighbors—we are ironclad friends and all-weather strategic partners,” Wang said during the meeting. “Pakistan remains a key diplomatic priority for China, and we are committed to deepening our cooperation at every level.”
Wang also acknowledged the strategic importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region and expressed confidence in Pakistan’s military to continue playing a stabilizing role—particularly in safeguarding Chinese-led projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and broader Belt and Road Initiative efforts.
General Munir, for his part, thanked China for its “consistent and valued” support over the years, calling the partnership between the two countries a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and regional outreach. He reiterated the Pakistan Army’s “unwavering commitment” to protecting Chinese nationals, institutions, and infrastructure operating within the country—many of which have been targeted in recent years by terror outfits seeking to derail bilateral cooperation.
“Our forces are resolute in their mission to dismantle terrorism in all its forms,” said General Munir. “We fully recognize the trust China places in us, and we are committed to strengthening counter-terrorism coordination between our two nations.”
The two sides also held wide-ranging discussions on regional and global affairs, exchanging perspectives on evolving geopolitical dynamics, particularly in South Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific. Both parties emphasized the importance of close consultation and coordination to navigate shared challenges and uphold their mutual interests.
The meeting marks yet another chapter in the deepening diplomatic and defense ties between China and Pakistan—ties that have stood the test of time through wars, political transitions, and shifting global alliances.
With CPEC entering a more sensitive and expanded phase, and with mounting regional instability, Beijing’s message is clear: its friendship with Islamabad isn’t just symbolic—it’s strategic.
