Counter-terrorism: Pakistan, China hold military-level talks

Pakistan and China discuss counter-terrorism and regional security amid rising attacks on Chinese nationals, emphasizing mutual cooperation and stability.

Military officials of Pakistan and China held talks on counter-terrorism and regional security amid unease following the recent attacks on Chinese nationals.

“General Zhang Youxia, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) China and one of China’s two top military leaders, is visiting Pakistan along with a high-level delegation,” according to a military statement.

General Zhang held a one-on-one meeting with Army Chief Gen Asim Munir on Wednesday (November 27, 2024), followed by the delegation-level discussions.

According to the statement, the engagements focussed on “matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics, measures for regional stability and enhancing bilateral defence cooperation.” General Zhang spoke about Pakistan’s ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, which remain a key topic of discussion between the two countries owing to the rising frequency of attacks targeting Chinese nationals working in Pakistan.

Newspaper Dawn reported that there have been media reports that Beijing is seeking a more proactive role in ensuring the safety of its citizens in Pakistan, but the Foreign Office has emphasised that counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries is based on mutual respect for each other’s sovereignty.

“Under the regional stability head, the two sides exchanged views about the Indian role in the region and the developments in Afghanistan, particularly the presence of terrorist groups,” Dawn added.

The CMC vice-chairman’s visit follows a trip by Gen Li Qiaoming, commander of the People’s Liberation Army Ground Forces, to Pakistan in late August.