President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to expand cooperation with China in defence and aviation as Zardari visited AVIC in Chengdu. The visit marked a historic first, making him the only foreign head of state to tour the advanced Chinese aerospace and defence complex.
During the trip, Zardari praised the J-10C and JF-17 fighter jets for strengthening Pakistan’s air defence. He highlighted their decisive role in the May 2025 conflict with India. Briefings at the facility also showcased China’s latest capabilities, including the J-20 stealth fighter, drones, automated systems, and command-and-control technologies.
Calling AVIC a symbol of China’s technological progress, the President described the company as a cornerstone of the Pakistan-China strategic partnership. He emphasised that Zardari’s visit to AVIC underlined Islamabad’s determination to further boost bilateral defence production and aviation ties.
Zardari was joined by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, and China’s Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong.
Beyond defence, the President also travelled on China’s high-speed rail from Chengdu to Mianyang, covering 139 kilometres in just 30 minutes. He praised its electric propulsion and earthquake early-warning technology as marvels of engineering, noting that such innovations provide valuable lessons for Pakistan’s own transport sector.
The visit showcased Pakistan’s resolve to strengthen its all-weather partnership with China, both in security and in sustainable infrastructure development.
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