In a significant meeting, China’s envoy in Pakistan called on Pakistan Army chief and discussed intensified defense collaboration while asserting that Beijing would continue to support Islamabad as a strategic partner. China is Pakistan's largest supplier of arms and its third-largest trading partner.

China’s ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong came up with the assertion during the meeting with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

“Visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan's sincere efforts for peace and stability in the region. He reiterated that China shall continue to support Pakistan as a strategic partner,” The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan’s military’s media wing, said in a release.

The military said General Bajwa and Ambassador Rong discussed in detail matters of mutual interest including defense collaboration, progress on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and regional security.

Last month, Gen Qamar had said both the Pakistani and Chinese armies will continue to contribute towards safeguarding collective interests, terming the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and Pakistan Army brothers in arms, an ISPR statement said.

The army chief made the remarks while speaking at the 94th anniversary of the founding of PLA commemorated at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan and China have shared close ties for decades. Maintaining close relations with China is a central part of Pakistan's foreign policy and Islamabad has served as Beijing’s main bridge to the Islamic world

China has made massive investments in Pakistan.

The CPEC  was launched CPEC six years ago with an initial investment portfolio of about USD 46 billion, which was subsequently increased to USD 60 billion.

The share of projects that are in the pipeline is USD 28 billion, according to the CPEC Authority presentation to the cabinet body in January this year.

So far, 17 projects worth USD 13 billion have been completed while another 21 projects having an estimated cost of USD 12 billion are being implemented.

(SAM)