Pak, China Agree To Enhance Defence Ties

Pakistan and China on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding to expand the scope of bilateral defence ties during the visit of Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe to Islamabad.

“General Wei Fenghe is a sincere and close friend of Pakistan. He has played a prominent role in promoting and further strengthening defence relations between the Armed Forces of Pakistan and China,” said Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi.

President Alvi also conferred Nishan-e-Imtiaz (military) on China’s Minister of National Defence General Wei Fenghe at a special investiture ceremony held here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, a press release issued by the government showed.

The president decorated the Chinese official with the award in recognition of his illustrious services for strengthening defence relations between Pakistan and China.

Defence Minister Pervaiz Khattak, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on National Security Dr Moeed Yusuf, services chiefs, and senior military officials of Pakistan and China attended the ceremony.

With a distinguished career, General Wei Fenghe graduated from People’s Liberation Army National Defence University, China, and was commissioned in People’s Liberation Army in December 1970.

During his outstanding military career, he served as Chief of Staff, People’s Liberation Army Second Artillery Force and Deputy Chief of General Staff of People’s Liberation Army and Commanded People’s Liberation Army Second Artillery Force and People’s Liberation Army Rocket Force.

In 2012, he became a Member of the Central Military Commission and later appointed Member of the Leading Party Members Group of the State Council.

Later, General Wei Fenghe called on President Arif Alvi and discussed issues pertaining to the military cooperation between Pakistan and China.

Pakistan and China have increased bilateral defence ties ever since Pakistan formally became a part of China’s landmark Belt and Road Initiative.

China sees Pakistan as the crown jewel in the entire BRI project as the two countries have increased their reliance on each other over the last few years.