Pakistan and China concludes Naval Drills

Shanghai, 14 July 2022 (TDI): The joint naval drill “Sea Guardians-2” between China and Pakistan has concluded off the coast of Shanghai. The drills are intended to “jointly deal with maritime security threats.”

#Exclusive China, #Pakistan joint naval exercise “Sea Guardians-2” completes off Shanghai. pic.twitter.com/UtcjvciEBw

— Shen Shiwei 沈诗伟 (@shen_shiwei) July 14, 2022

China and Pakistan kicked off four days of naval drills off the coast of Shanghai on Sunday, July 10. They used Pakistan’s most modern Chinese-built frigate.

In addition, this is a way for tighter security cooperation between the two nations in the Indian Ocean.

During the drills, operation planning, professional expertise exchanges, and cultural and sporting competitions took place.

The two fleets also conducted drills in which they attacked maritime targets, conducted anti-submarine operations, and conducted anti-aircraft and anti-missile operations.

The joint exercise also seeks to strengthen military cooperation and exchange expertise and experience to deepen the two nations’ armies.

Additionally, it boosts longstanding friendship and the development of the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative relationship.

Statement by Liu Wensheng, a spokeswoman for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy

According to Liu Wensheng, a spokeswoman for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, the practice, codenamed Sea Guardians-2, is a routine procedure part of an annual plan between the two forces.

Furthermore, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and the Pakistan Navy had an agreement to perform a cooperative naval exercise.

The practice includes the Sea Guardians-2, in maritime and aerial regions near Shanghai in mid-July.

Liu Wensheng also noted that the practice has nothing to do with any regional issues. It is not directed at any other party.

PNS Taimur, the second Type 054A frigate manufactured by China and handed over to Pakistan in Shanghai last month, also participated in the practice.

This is the second time China and Pakistan have undertaken the “Sea Guardians” series of combined maritime exercises.

In January 2020, the two sides held a joint maritime exercise code-named “Sea Guardians-2020” in the northern Arabian Sea.

Both sides cooperated closely and deeply, with all training subjects successfully completed, blazing new trails for future joint maritime exercises between the two navies.