China to multiply defence, trade ties with Pakistan.

Byline: SHAFQAT ALI

BEIJING -- China aims to multiply defence and trade ties with Pakistan in the coming years, senior officials said here yesterday.

Top Chinese officials told The Nation that Beijing was determined to fulfil Islamabad's needs for regional stability.

'China wants a strong Pakistan. We already have good economic and defence ties with Pakistan. We want the multiply the engagement to achieve new levels of friendship,' said one official.

Another official said top level contacts and meetings in the recent months had further strengthened the relationship between the 'iron brothers.

Recently, Pakistan and China have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for enhancement of defence cooperation and capacity building of the Pakistan Army.

The MoU was signed during the visit of Central Military Commission Vice Chairman General Xu Qiliang with a high-level Chinese delegation to the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

General Xu Qiliang had a one-to-one meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa followed by delegation level talks.

Later, Prime Minister Imran Khan and General Bajwa visited China to signs various MoUs.

Pakistan is one of the first groups of countries that have recognized China. On May 21, 1951, the two countries officially established their diplomatic relations. Since then, Pakistan and China have witnessed smooth development of friendly and neighborly relations as well as mutually beneficial cooperation.

The period between 1957 and 1069 saw a very important phase in the history of the Sino-Pakistani relations. During this period, historical changes took place in the bilateral relations.

Since 1990s, great changes have taken place in the international situation. Instead of being affected by the changing situation, the time-tested friendship and cooperation...