Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is preparing for a key visit to China next month, where he will lead a top-level delegation focused on enhancing cooperation and discussing recent regional developments, including the May standoff with India.
Officials familiar with the planning confirmed that Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, will accompany the prime minister. Although exact dates are still under discussion via diplomatic channels, the visit is expected to take place in August, The Express Tribune reported.
The visit carries considerable weight, particularly following the recent four-day military clash with India, during which Pakistan’s military outperformed its adversary. The Pakistan Air Force downed six Indian aircraft, including Rafale fighter jets.
The confrontation placed a spotlight on Chinese military technology, with several Western nations closely observing the unfolding situation in South Asia. Chinese-supplied J-10C fighter jets and PL-15 long-range missiles proved to be decisive, though Pakistan’s advanced system integration is said to have maximized the equipment’s effectiveness.
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In a recent development, the Chinese Air Force Chief visited Pakistan and expressed interest in learning from Pakistan’s real-time operational experience and its success across multiple combat domains.
Meanwhile, India’s Deputy Army Chief recently alleged that New Delhi was facing pressure on two fronts, referring to both Pakistan and China. He implied Beijing had a hand in Pakistan’s recent military gains.
This claim, however, was dismissed by both Pakistan and China. During a recent meeting of Pakistan’s Corps Commanders, the army chief underscored that the May clash was purely a bilateral matter.
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In the lead-up to Prime Minister Sharif’s trip, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will be in China this week to represent Pakistan at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting from July 14 to 16 in Tianjin.
According to the Foreign Office, Dar’s visit follows an invitation from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The event will bring together foreign ministers from all SCO members, including Pakistan, China, Russia, India, Iran, and Central Asian nations. Notably, Belarus will attend for the first time as a full member.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
