COAS Gen Asim Munir receives Guard of Honour at PLA headquarters during China visit

Army chief General Syed Asim Munir on his first day of official visit to China discussed matters of mutual security interests and military cooperation, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported on Wednesday.

According to the ISPR, the COAS was given a warm welcome and presented with the guard of honour at the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Headquarters.

“[The] COAS reviewed the smartly turned out contingent which was later followed by a detailed meeting with the Commander of PLA Army. Matters of mutual security interests and military cooperation were discussed. Both military commanders reiterated the need for maintaining peace and stability in the region and enhancing military to military cooperation,” the military’s media wing reported.

The army chief also witnessed a demonstration of the operational capabilities of the PLA troops and praised the high standards of training and professionalism displayed by the soldiers.

The COAS will hold further meetings with military leaders in China to enhance the long-standing relations between the two militaries, the ISPR furthered.

A day earlier, the army chief had kicked off his four-day maiden visit to China, being seen by many as crucial against the backdrop of recent geo-strategic developments.

This is his first visit to China since he assumed the charge as army chief on November 29. For some observers, it is a bit unusual that the army chief’s visit took some time to materialise.

It is common for the new army chief in Pakistan to undertake a visit to China within weeks of his appointment. The delay this time is attributed to the internal situation in Pakistan as well as the transition in China.