After a tragic assault on Chinese engineers in Shangla, the Chinese military has expressed its readiness to collaborate with Pakistan in enhancing the capabilities of both nations to tackle various security threats, particularly terrorist attacks. The attack, which occurred near Besham in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resulted in the loss of lives of five Chinese nationals and one Pakistani citizen on March 26.
Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defence, conveyed this sentiment during his monthly briefing, stating, “The Chinese military is prepared to work alongside Pakistan to continually improve our capacity to address diverse security challenges, notably our ability to respond to terrorist threats, and to jointly uphold regional peace and stability.”
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In reference to the participation of a PLA tri-services contingent in Pakistan Day military parade in Islamabad on March 23, Colonel Wu mentioned the deep bond between the two nations, with Chinese people affectionately referring to Pakistan as their iron-clad brother. He emphasized the enduring friendship and mutual support between China and Pakistan as all-weather strategic cooperative partners, nurtured through thick and thin.
Colonel Wu further highlighted, “Under the strategic guidance of our respective leaders, our militaries have maintained frequent and close high-level exchanges, yielding positive outcomes in joint exercises, professional exchanges, personnel training, and cooperation in equipment and technology.”
In response to the Shangla terrorist attack, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir affirmed the military’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all foreign citizens, particularly Chinese nationals contributing to Pakistan’s prosperity. During an emergency meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following the attack on Chinese nationals working on the Dasu Hydel Power Project, General Munir reiterated the armed forces’ determination to eradicate terrorism, a battle Pakistan has steadfastly fought and won over the past two decades.
