Army chief arrives in China on four-day state visit

Army chief General Syed Asim Munir has kicked off on a maiden visit to China, which is being seen by many as a crucial one against the backdrop of recent geo-strategic developments.

“The COAS is on a four-day official visit to China for enhancing bilateral military relations,” a terse statement issued here by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Monday said.

It didn’t provide further details.

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 that 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.

Only recently, President Xi Xinping began his third five-year term with new the prime minister as well as defence and foreign ministers.

The visit is seen as crucial as China is Pakistan’s financial lifeline and a key strategic partner.

With the recent rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran brokered by China, Pakistan is keen to take advantage of the new alignments.

Pakistan has in recent months tried to woo the US but there is a growing sense in Islamabad that the country may eventually have to look towards China to advance its economic and strategic interests.

One of the reasons is that there has been despondency in Pakistan about the US that it didn’t help secure the IMF bailout. There is also the realisation that Washington would no longer extend any cash dole-outs.

In this situation, China may be the only option for Pakistan.

Observers feel the Chinese leadership would be keen to listen to the new army chief about all these intricate strategic issues.

The security of Chinese nationals and China’s interests in Pakistan would be one of the key talking points during the army chief’s visit.