Latest Military Ties: China-Pakistan's Strategic Partnership
Defense Minister of China holds talks with the Air Force Chief of Pakistan in Beijing
China's Defense Minister Dong Jun met with Pakistan Air Force Chief Zaheer Ahmad Babar. In Beijing, Dong expressed that China-Pakistan's bond as "all-weather" strategic partners is unwavering, steadfastly strong due to geopolitical shifts. They have made remarkable progress in areas like strategic communication, joint exercises, and personnel exchanges, according to Dong. He also emphasized the growing significance of the "Shaheen (Eagle)" series of joint training exercises.
Dong stated that China is dedicated to working alongside Pakistan, following the guidance of their leaders' strategic vision, to bolster military communication, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and collaborate in maintaining regional and global peace and stability.
Zaheer Ahmad Babar reaffirmed Pakistan's esteemed view of its relationship with China, serving as the cornerstone of its foreign policy. He expressed his eagerness to boost communication, exchanges, and institutional cooperation with China, maintain high-level joint exercises and training, and respond to the evolving regional security challenges.
Insights into the Alliance
- Strategic Partnership: China and Pakistan have an "all-weather friendship," fortified by President Xi Jinping's 2015 visit to Pakistan, enhancing Pakistan's infrastructure via the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and offering China strategic advantages, particularly by bypassing the Straits of Malacca for energy imports.
- Defense Acquisitions: Pakistan's dependence on Chinese defense technology has significantly increased. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has procured advanced systems like the J-10CE multi-role fighter and the HQ-9BE surface-to-air missile system. The PAF is also interested in acquiring China's J-35AE stealth fighter.
- Joint Exercises: Regular joint military exercises are conducted by the two nations to enhance their military interoperability. In December 2024, they concluded the "Pak-China Joint Exercise Warrior-VIII," a three-week anti-terrorism exercise.
Future Focus
The future of military cooperation between China and Pakistan is likely to center on augmenting defense capabilities and fortifying strategic ties.
- Advanced Technology Integration: There is a growing focus on technology transfer and collaborative development of sophisticated military hardware. This includes partnerships in unmanned aerial systems (UAS), electronic warfare, and space programs.
- Deepening Air Force Ties: Pakistan and China aspire to strengthen their air forces through joint exercises and advanced tactical training, crucial for addressing modern air and space warfare challenges.
- Increased Chinese Presence: China has reportedly aimed to integrate Chinese nationals into private security companies in Pakistan, potentially intensifying their military-security cooperation.
The Shaheen (Eagle) Series Joint Training Exercises
While the Shaheen series' specific details are not provided, these exercises are part of a broader effort to enhance military cooperation. Typically, they focus on improving air defense capabilities and bolstering interoperability between China and Pakistan's air forces. Recent agreements highlight the importance of air force cooperation, suggesting that future Shaheen exercises will likely prioritize advanced tactical training, technology integration, and countering modern air and space warfare challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Heightened Cooperation: Increased collaboration in air forces and sophisticated tactical training.
- Technology Integration: Focus on acquiring and developing advanced military technology.
- Strategic Advantages: Strengthening ties to counter regional challenges, particularly from India.
- The Defense Minister of China, Dong Jun, and Pakistan Air Force Chief Zaheer Ahmad Babar have announced their commitment to deepening the war-and-conflicts coordination and politics between China and Pakistan, particularly through the "Shaheen (Eagle)" series of joint training exercises.
- In the future, China is expected to increase its involvement in the Pakistani military-security sector, potentially intensifying their cooperation, as evidenced by integrating Chinese nationals into private security companies in Pakistan.
- China, being a strategic partner of Pakistan, has been instrumental in providing defense technology to Pakistan, with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) having procured advanced systems like the J-10CE multi-role fighter and the HQ-9BE surface-to-air missile system, and expressing interest in acquiring China's J-35AE stealth fighter.
- The latest China-Pakistan military ties have been marked by significant progress in areas like strategic communication, joint exercises, and personnel exchanges, and China is dedicated to bolstering these ties further to address modern air and space warfare challenges.
