Pak-China joint air drills important to boost combat readiness: Bajwa.

ISLAMABAD -- Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa on Friday emphasised combat readiness and improved interoperability with China.

In his remarks at an air base he visited for witnessing Pak-China Joint Air Exercise Shaheen-IX, Gen Bajwa said that joint drills with China were important 'to increase the combat readiness of both countries to face emerging geo-strategic challenges'.

Shaheen-IX exercises, which are participated by Pakistan Air Force and People's Liberation Army Air Force, are being held this year in Pakistan. They have been regularly held since 2011, alternating between the two countries.

India and Pakistan have long-standing tense relationship because of the dispute over Kashmir. However, India's deadly clashes with China this year, the first in nearly 45 years, have significantly altered security dynamics of the region.

In this context, Gen Bajwa's...