PLA’s 98th Anniversary Marked with Renewed Pledges of Regional Stability and Defence Cooperation

Rawalpindi: Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has underscored the strategic depth and enduring strength of Pakistan-China relations, calling the alliance a model of “mutual trust, shared values, and unwavering strategic alignment.”

The army chief was speaking at a commemorative event held at GHQ on Friday, marking the 98th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China. The ceremony was organized by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) and attended by a distinguished group of Chinese diplomats and Pakistani defence officials.

Ambassador Jiang Zaidong of the People’s Republic of China served as chief guest, accompanied by Major General Wang Zhong, Defence Attaché, and embassy representatives. Senior officers from Pakistan’s Army, Navy, and Air Force were also in attendance.

Field Marshal Munir warmly congratulated the PLA on nearly a century of distinguished service and hailed its contributions to China’s defence, development, and technological advancement. He reiterated that Pakistan views its partnership with China not just as a strategic necessity, but as a deep-rooted friendship that has stood the test of time.

He emphasized that in a world of shifting alliances and emerging global threats, Pak-China ties remain stable, time-tested, and essential for regional balance.

In his closing remarks, he called the Pakistan Army and the PLA “true brothers-in-arms,” whose joint efforts continue to bolster peace and counter-terrorism cooperation across the region.

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong echoed the sentiments, acknowledging the Pakistan Armed Forces’ critical role in regional security and reaffirming China’s enduring commitment to this strategic alliance.