Islamabad, August 24, 2025 — The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commended the leadership of Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, describing the Pakistan Army as a foundation of national stability and a steadfast guardian of the enduring China–Pakistan partnership, according to state broadcaster PTV World.
The acknowledgment came after a high-level meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and COAS Munir in Islamabad on August 21, during the senior diplomat’s three-day official visit to Pakistan.
China’s Recognition of Pakistan Army’s Role
In its statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said Wang Yi lauded the Pakistan Army for its vital contributions in implementing the consensus reached by the leadership of both nations and in safeguarding Pakistan’s stability and security. He emphasized that the advancement of China–Pakistan ties plays a constructive role in regional peace, reaffirming Beijing’s consistent support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and defense.
COAS Reaffirms “Ironclad” Partnership
Responding to Wang Yi’s remarks, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir described China as “Pakistan’s ironclad friend,” affirming that the bond between the two countries is “as solid as a rock.” He thanked Beijing for its sustained support in Pakistan’s economic, social, and security development, underlining that the friendship reflects a broad consensus among the people of Pakistan.
The COAS reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to:
- Strengthening counterterrorism cooperation with China,
- Ensuring the security of Chinese nationals and projects, especially those under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC),
- Further consolidating the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.
Broad-Based Engagements in Islamabad
Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit was undertaken at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Alongside his meeting with COAS Munir, Wang Yi also held discussions with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reviewing the full scope of bilateral cooperation, including trade, investment, energy, and defense collaboration.
Both sides underlined that the China–Pakistan partnership remains unaffected by external influences. Addressing speculation on shifting global alignments, Wang Yi and Foreign Minister Dar reiterated that growing relations between Pakistan and other nations or between China and regional powers would not diminish the “iron brotherhood” between Islamabad and Beijing.
Shared Vision for Regional Stability
The two countries conveyed a clear message that changing international dynamics will not alter the strength of their all-weather strategic partnership. Instead, both reaffirmed their determination to work together for regional stability, economic development, enhanced connectivity, and the protection of shared interests under the Belt and Road framework.
