RAWALPINDI, 01 August 2026(Kamran Raja):The 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of the People’s Republic of China was commemorated at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Saturday, reaffirming the enduring strategic partnership and close military ties between Pakistan and China.
The ceremony was attended by senior military officials from Pakistan and a delegation from the Chinese Embassy, including representatives of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army. The event highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between the armed forces of the two countries and their shared commitment to regional peace, security, and stability.
Senior Pakistani military leadership extended warm congratulations to the PLA on the occasion, acknowledging its remarkable transformation into a modern, professional force and its significant role in safeguarding China’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national development.
Speakers at the ceremony emphasized that the Pakistan-China relationship is founded on mutual trust, strategic cooperation, and unwavering support. They noted that defence collaboration between the Pakistan Armed Forces and the PLA has expanded significantly over the years through joint exercises, professional exchanges, training programmes, and cooperation in defence technology.
The event also underscored the importance of continued military-to-military cooperation in addressing regional security challenges and promoting peace and stability across the region.
Chinese representatives expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s longstanding friendship and reaffirmed China’s commitment to further strengthening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries. They appreciated the close coordination between the armed forces of Pakistan and China and reiterated their resolve to deepen cooperation in defence and security.
The ceremony concluded with goodwill messages celebrating the enduring Pakistan-China friendship, often described as “higher than the Himalayas, deeper than the oceans, sweeter than honey, and stronger than steel,” while expressing confidence that bilateral defence cooperation would continue to grow in the years ahead.