Air Chief Pledges to Strengthen Defence Cooperation with China

LAHORE (RNN TV) — BEIJING (Web Desk) – Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their mutual commitment to strengthening bilateral military ties and deepening their strategic partnership, particularly in the realm of Air Force cooperation.

The pledge was made during a high-level meeting between Pakistan’s Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, and Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun during the air chief’s official visit to China.

Both sides agreed to elevate Air Force-to-Air Force collaboration, with a focus on incorporating complex and high-intensity tactical scenarios in joint aerial exercises. The enhanced cooperation aims to build greater interoperability and equip both nations’ air and ground crews with the capabilities needed to effectively confront evolving challenges in modern air and space warfare.

During the visit, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu also held meetings with key Chinese military officials and dignitaries to further deepen defence ties.

In a significant meeting with General Chang Dingqiu, Commander of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), both parties agreed to establish a Joint Working Group. The group will focus on advancing current cooperation and identifying new areas of collaboration between the two air forces.

The air chief also met with Major General Cao Xiaojian, Director General of the Bureau of Military Equipment and Technical Cooperation, to explore avenues for technology transfer and joint development of advanced military systems aimed at strengthening the operational readiness of both forces.

In a separate engagement with leaders of China’s defence industry, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu emphasized Pakistan’s interest in technological collaboration. He invited Chinese defence companies to take part in the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park—an initiative led by the Pakistan Air Force to foster innovation and indigenous development in aerospace and defence technologies.

The visit underscores the growing defence partnership between Pakistan and China and highlights both nations’ shared vision of strategic cooperation in the face of evolving regional and global security dynamics.