Pakistan and China reaffirmed their resolve to bolster security cooperation and counterterrorism coordination during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in Islamabad on Friday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), discussions centred on regional security, counter-terrorism, and matters of mutual concern. Both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthen the all-weather strategic partnership and enhance collaboration at regional and international forums.
Wang Yi underscored Beijing’s “steadfast support” for Pakistan’s sovereignty and development, while COAS Munir expressed gratitude for China’s consistent backing. The meeting concluded with a pledge to advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
China’s Firm Stand Against BLA and Majeed Brigade
At the United Nations, China renewed its call for a united global front against terrorism. Beijing’s deputy envoy, Geng Shuang, emphasised the need to confront groups such as the Islamic State, al-Qaida, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its Majeed Brigade, all of which remain active in South Asia and Afghanistan.
China welcomed Washington’s move to designate the BLA and its Majeed Brigade as terrorist groups and voiced hope that the UN Security Council would follow suit.
Trilateral Talks in Kabul: Security at the Forefront
Earlier this week, Wang Yi also attended the sixth Pakistan-China-Afghanistan Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue in Kabul. The three nations pledged to intensify joint counterterrorism efforts, strengthen intelligence-sharing, and expand the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) into Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar raised concerns about a surge in militant attacks from Afghan soil, urging Kabul to take “concrete and verifiable measures” against the TTP and BLA. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi reiterated that Afghan territory would not be allowed for hostile activities against neighbours.
Wang stressed that combating terrorism required addressing root causes while affirming China’s opposition to foreign interference and its support for Afghanistan in international forums.
Security Cooperation Central to Ironclad Ties
The latest round of engagements highlights the growing security dimension of Pakistan-China relations. With both countries facing common threats from extremist groups, the focus on counterterrorism has emerged as a cornerstone of their “ironclad” strategic partnership.
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