To recognize the efforts of the Chinese military leadership in enhancing the defense relations between Pakistan and China, President Asif Ali Zardari has decorated General Li Qiaoming, the Commander of China’s People’s Liberation Army’s Ground Forces, with the Nishan-i-Imtiaz.
The president conferred the award on the visiting military general during a special ceremony held at the President’s House in Islamabad on Tuesday. The event was attended by the chiefs of the Pakistan armed forces and the parliamentarians.
During the ceremony, General Li’s career, which spans four decades, was highlighted. His contributions to the PLA were noted with regard to his intellectual and administrative skills and dedication to peace and stability in China and beyond its borders.
The general is recognized for his professionalism and is a friend of Pakistan, with whom he has strengthened his country’s military relations. Due to these contributions to the bilateral ties, the president conferred on him the distinction of Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military).
Separately, on Tuesday, the visiting general held a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s Office, where he was warmly welcomed as a testament to the longstanding bilateral relationship between Pakistan and China. The two sides are known as “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners”.
During the meeting, the premier highlighted the depth of Pakistan-China ties, ranging from support from the public to the existence of a similar sentiment within the institutions of both countries, thus binding them together for a common cause of development. The premier found the military-to-military exchanges between the two sides to be satisfactory, and stressed the need for stronger ties between the two for regional stability.
General Li reiterated China’s position as an “Iron Brother”, “Strategic Partner” and “Reliable Friend” to Pakistan. He made it clear that his country highly prioritizes its relationship with Pakistan. He further accentuated the Chinese desire to enhance bilateral relations.
General Li also recognized the role of the Pakistan Armed Forces in maintaining regional peace and stability, besides countering terrorism, and said that the Chinese military is committed to expanding its cooperation with the Pakistani military for mutual capacity building.
Moreover, during the meeting, the two sides discussed various strands of the Pakistan-China relationship, particularly the defense and strategic partnership they share.
It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan and China have a unique and rare relationship, where both sides have actively supported one another in times of need.
China is a principal investor in Pakistan, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is an unparalleled mega project and is recognized as the cornerstone of Pakistan-China relations. Moreover, China has always bailed the country out in times of need through active economic support. However, China’s support is not limited to the financial aspect, rather the country has extended political support to Pakistan time and time again as well, underscoring the multifaceted potential of the Pakistan-China relationship.
Recently, while attacks were being carried out against Chinese personnel working in Pakistan, the country stood by its ally and made it clear that attempts to weaken the partnership will never succeed. On its end, Pakistan has actively taken measures to ensure safety of Chinese personnel and to secure the investments made by China through CPEC.
It is worth mentioning here that back in the day, when the COVID-19 pandemic led to intense criticism of China, especially from the West, Pakistan stood by its time-tested friend. Then-president Dr Arif Alvi was the first head of the state to visit China since the beginning of the pandemic.