Chinese Ambassador Meets Air Chief to Deepen Defence Ties, Hail PAF’s Operational Excellence

ISLAMABAD – Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Jiang Zaidong, called on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force (PAF), during a visit to Air Headquarters in Islamabad. The meeting focused on enhancing defence cooperation, strategic collaboration, and responses to evolving regional security challenges.

The two dignitaries held detailed discussions on corporate-level engagements, defence modernization, and the changing geostrategic landscape. Both sides emphasized the importance of cohesive strategies and joint efforts to ensure operational readiness and quick response in the face of regional threats.

Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Sidhu welcomed the Chinese envoy, highlighting the deep-rooted and time-tested relationship between Pakistan and China, which he described as a bond between “Iron Brothers.” He praised China’s unwavering support, especially in defence modernization, technology transfer, and joint R&D initiatives, and expressed gratitude for the strategic trust shared by both nations.

The Chinese Ambassador commended the Pakistan Air Force for its exceptional professionalism and operational excellence, particularly during recent events on the eastern front. He praised the effective use of Chinese-origin technology and acknowledged the PAF’s growing reliance on indigenous solutions under the current leadership.

Ambassador Jiang Zaidong reaffirmed China’s continued support for Pakistan’s defence sector and offered full technical assistance to further enhance PAF’s capabilities. He noted Pakistan’s progress in self-reliance, stressing that investment in homegrown technologies was beginning to show substantial results.

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Both sides agreed to institutionalize regular high-level interactions, expand joint operational exercises, and explore multilateral cooperation frameworks to counter emerging threats. The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to further strengthen their strategic partnership through innovation and collaboration.