At PLA’s Event In Rawalpindi, Pakistan Signals Strategic Embrace Of China | Exclusive

Last Updated:August 01, 2025, 18:16 IST

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir used the occasion to praise the PLA’s role in China’s national development and defence structure

General Munir described the PLA and the Pakistan Army as “true brothers-in-arms” with “unshakable trust.” (Image via X)

Pakistan openly showcased its deepening military alignment with China by hosting the 98th anniversary celebrations of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi on Friday.

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong was the Chief Guest, underlining the strength of the PLA-Pakistan Army partnership. Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir used the occasion to praise the PLA’s role in China’s national development and defence structure.

The symbolic choice of GHQ as the venue sent a strong message, this was more than a diplomatic gesture — it projected institutional and military integration between the two nations.

General Munir described the PLA and the Pakistan Army as “true brothers-in-arms" with “unshakable trust."

The event was attended by top officers from all three branches of Pakistan’s armed forces. The Chinese envoy, in turn, applauded Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and reaffirmed the growing strategic partnership.

Tactical Balancing Act

According to intelligence sources speaking to CNN-News18, Pakistan continues to walk a fine line between China and the United States, securing “financial and military support from both the countries and by playing the role of an important ally in different theatres."

The sources further added that, while Islamabad presents itself to Beijing as the protector of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) interests, it simultaneously positions itself as a key partner to Washington in matters related to “Afghanistan, Kashmir, and Balochistan".

Sources say Pakistan has used controlled crackdowns on Baloch groups to appease China, while using selective counterterror operations to satisfy the US, including rebranding militant outfits like Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Milli Muslim League as charity or political groups.

At the same time, Pakistan is said to covertly maintain and manage proxy networks in Afghanistan, Kashmir, and Balochistan — allowing it to play both sides.

“Military assistance, including drones, surveillance systems, and defence hardware, continues to come from both China and the US, helping Pakistan maintain this dual strategy," the source adde,

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