Chinese Ambassador lauds operational excellence of Pakistan Air Force

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu during an official visit to Air Headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday, the military’s media wing reported.

During the meeting, both dignitaries engaged in a comprehensive and in-depth discussion covering a wide array of subjects, including corporate-level engagements, defence cooperation, and the evolving geostrategic environment in the region, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Emphasising the importance of cohesive and collaborative approaches in addressing emerging challenges, they highlighted the need to maintain peak operational readiness and ensure swift coordination amidst the prevailing regional security dynamics, the statement said.

The Air Chief warmly welcomed the distinguished guest and reiterated that Pakistan and China enjoy historic and time-tested relations rooted in mutual trust, strategic convergence, and shared aspirations for regional peace and stability.

Referring to the enduring bilateral relationship, he described Pakistan and China as “iron brothers,” noting that their bond has only grown stronger over the decades and is set to deepen further through sustained cooperation and partnership, it added.

The Chief of the Air Staff expressed gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for its continued support and unwavering friendship. He also acknowledged China’s instrumental role in assisting Pakistan’s defence modernisation and technological advancement, particularly in the domains of human resource development, technology transfer, and collaborative research and development.

Both sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to institutionalising regular high-level exchanges, expanding joint operational exercises, and exploring multilateral frameworks to bolster collective responses to emerging threats, the ISPR said.

Ambassador Zaidong praised the unmatched operational excellence of Pakistan Air Force personnel during the recent standoff on the eastern front, describing it as a reflection of PAF’s high standards and unwavering commitment to national defence, it added.

He lauded the professionalism of the PAF and its commendable utilisation of Chinese-origin equipment and technology in thwarting hostile aggression.

The ambassador also acknowledged the PAF’s operational effectiveness and strategic acumen in employing indigenous solutions and advanced systems to protect national interests under the visionary leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu.

Reaffirming China’s enduring support, he assured full technical assistance to the Pakistan Air Force to further strengthen its aerial defence capabilities, the statement read.

He further lauded Pakistan’s commitment to self-reliance, noting that PAF’s investment in indigenous technological processes has begun to yield promising results. He emphasised that a continued focus on homegrown innovation would further elevate the country’s defence posture, it added.

This high-level meeting stands as a testament to the shared resolve of Pakistan and China to further advance their time-tested strategic partnership through deepened defence cooperation and innovation-driven collaboration, the statement concluded.