Pakistan–China strategic relations are multidimensional. Along with matters related to regional security and stability, both countries also share the same viewpoint on the issue of terrorism. Pakistan and China not only regard terrorism as a threat to regional peace, security, and stability, but are also fully determined to confront this menace jointly. Like other fields, both countries are cooperating extensively in the area of counter-terrorism as well.
Giving top priority to countering the scourge of terrorism, the patriotic Army of Pakistan and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) organized joint counter-terrorism exercises at the National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) Pabbi to benefit from bilateral experiences.
The two-week exercises aimed to enhance interoperability and promote cooperation between the armed forces of both countries. These exercises were held in the counter-terrorism domain. Senior Chinese officials attended the ceremony, while the Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong was the chief guest, and the honorable Chief of General Staff of the Pakistan Army participated as a guest of honor. The guests were briefed on the nature, objectives, and methodology of the exercises, and they also observed various counter-terrorism drills.
Pakistani and Chinese troops participating jointly completed mixed-group training, covering equipment operations, live-fire shooting, counter-terrorism strategies, and other subjects, thereby comprehensively enhancing their integrated operational capabilities. Along with training on key subjects, both forces also received training in drone surveillance, counter-measures and air strikes.
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During the exercises, both sides also organized sports matches, cultural exchanges, and other activities, which promoted mutual understanding through interaction and further strengthened the traditional friendship between the two Armies. These exercises were titled “Warrior-9.” Their fundamental objective was to benefit from each other’s experiences in counter-terrorism. The commander of the participating Chinese contingent stated that they would work jointly to elevate counter-terrorism cooperation and the joint operational capabilities of both countries to a new level.
As a member of the global coalition against terrorism, Pakistan has partnered with many countries, including China, in the international war against terrorism. Both countries are focusing on expanding their trade and economic relations and strengthening connectivity to provide a stronger foundation for long-term strategic partnership and enduring friendship; however, this objective can only be achieved in a peaceful environment. In view of the everlasting friendship between Pakistan and China, Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao visited Pakistan in April 2005.
During the visit, the distinguished guest signed numerous agreements and memorandum of understanding for cooperation and joint projects in many fields. The growing cooperation between the two countries was not tolerated by hostile elements in the region, and up to 2010, terrorist attacks were carried out multiple times on Chinese workers engaged in development projects in various parts of Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of eleven Chinese nationals.
Similarly, to destabilize the growing friendship between the two countries, terrorist elements also repeated acts of terrorism in China. To counter further terrorist threats, both countries reaffirmed their firm resolve to fight jointly. The Chinese leadership has highly appreciated Pakistan’s role in the war against terrorism and has supported and praised Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also acknowledged that Pakistan has played a prominent role in combating terrorism as an important front line of the international counter-terrorism campaign.
In fact, Pakistan and China, setting an example of an enduring friendship, are further strengthening cooperation in defense and counter-terrorism, which has reduced the threats faced by both countries. Counter-terrorism cooperation between the two sides has been ongoing for a long time.
Read More: Pakistan, China Strengthen Security Ties with Joint Counterterrorism Exercise
The exercises conducted by the patriotic Armies of Pakistan and China aimed at exchanging expertise and devising methods and means to make counter-terrorism measures more effective have helped strengthen cooperation between the armed forces of both countries and promote harmony between them, enabling them to learn from each other’s experiences in counter-terrorism strategies.
Notably, in recognition of Pakistan’s important role against terrorism at the international level, China fully supported Pakistan in obtaining observer status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Pakistan and China, together with SCO member states, are focusing further attention on counter-terrorism, which has yielded positive results for the establishment of peace in the region.
Since both Pakistan and China face the menace of terrorism, they can confront this challenge only in light of stable relations and an enduring friendship. Readers, the world has now fully realized that terrorism is the deadliest problem of our time, engulfing the entire world. It is a scourge that shakes the foundations of societies and claims innocent lives.
Today, every inhabitant of the world knows that terrorism not only causes loss of lives but also completely destroys countries’ development, economies, and social structures. While the governments and armed forces of Pakistan and China are making sacrifices by confronting terrorism, it should also be the foremost duty of the people of both countries not to ignore the sacrifices of their state and patriotic armed forces; rather, the public should fully cooperate with the state and their forces against terrorism.
Likewise, it is also recommended for states and armed forces that schools, colleges, and universities should not only organize lectures on counter-terrorism but also provide appropriate training to students and the general public on ways to deal with terrorism.
*The views presented in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Diplomatic Insight.
Muhammad Akram Khan Fareedi
Muhammad Akram Khan Fareedi is a columnist and can be reached at akramkhanfaridi1051@gmail.com
