Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan H.E. Mr. Jiang Zaidong called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), during his visit to Air Headquarters in Islamabad. The high-level meeting featured an in-depth discussion on bilateral defence cooperation, regional security dynamics, and avenues for enhanced strategic collaboration.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), both dignitaries deliberated on corporate-level engagements, evolving geostrategic challenges, and the importance of cohesive, collaborative approaches to ensuring operational readiness in a rapidly shifting regional landscape.

The Air Chief extended a warm welcome to the visiting envoy, reaffirming the enduring and “time-tested” ties between Pakistan and China. He described the relationship as that of “Iron Brothers,” underscoring mutual trust, strategic convergence, and shared goals for regional peace and stability. He expressed appreciation for China’s longstanding support in Pakistan’s defence modernisation efforts, particularly in the fields of human resource development, technology transfer, and joint research and development.

Air Chief Marshal Sidhu emphasised the need to institutionalise regular high-level exchanges and deepen cooperation through joint operational exercises and multilateral frameworks to address emerging threats.

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Ambassador Jiang Zaidong commended the PAF’s performance and professionalism during the recent military standoff on the eastern front, praising its swift and effective use of Chinese-origin equipment and indigenous systems. He acknowledged the PAF’s operational excellence as a reflection of its strategic acumen and national commitment under the current leadership.

The Chinese envoy reaffirmed Beijing’s full technical assistance to further enhance Pakistan’s aerial defence capabilities. He also praised Pakistan’s drive towards self-reliance and encouraged continued investment in homegrown technological advancements, noting their growing impact on the country’s defence preparedness.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to strengthening their strategic partnership through innovation-led collaboration and defence synergy.

PM Shehbaz lauds PAF’s combat excellence during visit to Kamra airbase: ISPR