Pak-China friendship is higher than mountains and deeper than occasion. Our relationships with China are based on depth and vitality that increases with each passing day and it is rooted in history and based on mutual trust and respect. Both the countries are celebrating 60 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao believed Pak-China friendship as a pine tree that remains evergreen despite the harshest of winters and it has stood the test of time like a strong horse.
Main Aim of joint military exercise
Both the countries have bilateral cooperation in the fields of military and security that has already strengthened in the light of the “Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good Neighbourly Relations”. It has further cemented after the successful completion of Pak-China Joint Military Exercise ‘Friendship-IV’ in Pakistan.
Pakistan-China Joint Military Friendship-IV is aimed at sharing mutual exchange of experience and information through a comprehensive training programme in real time. This exercise is fourth in the series in which Special Forces from both sides will participates.
The Chinese Defence Ministry said the joint drill is “aimed at enhancing the capability of the two militaries to handle non-traditional security threats and launch joint anti-terror activities”.
These exercises were mandated to boost existing professional relationship between the two friendly armies. Chinese army, being well equipped and highly technical in nature, is know for being very meticulous, keen and equally professional in their approach. Armies of both the countries demonstrated a high sense of professionalism and determination during all the last joint military exercises.
Exercise YOUYI which literally translates “FRIENDSHIP” between two countries started in 2004. So far three exercises have been conducted including two in China and one in Pakistan. These exercises were mandated to boost existing professional relationship between the two friendly Armies. It is hoped that the YOUYI-IV exercise will be a true manifestation to a famous Chinese phrase “Pakistan China friendship is higher than the mountains and deeper than oceans”
The national flags of both countries were hoisted during the exercise. Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) General Staff Deputy Chief General Hou Shusen were the chief guests of closing ceremony. Chinese PLA Deputy Commander Lieutenant General Zhao Jianzhong highlighted the extraordinary relations between Pakistan and China. He further said that the Pakistan and China were close friendly countries and in recent years, the traditional friendship and pragmatic cooperation between two armed forces were deepening with outstanding achievements.
Gen Kayani once again clarified that Pak-China’s relations were purely strategic and these were not against any other in the region country. He assured that these relations would help ensure regional peace and stability. He said that China’s security was dear to Pakistan and such joint military exercises would further strengthen the relations between the two countries that were facing the common threat of terrorism.
He said Pakistan considered China important in regional stability and it would continue to cooperate with China in countering the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM.). He said Pakistan did not just have training programmes with China alone, but it had such courses with around 50 countries, across the world. He elaborated that such joint exercises would enhance the professional skills and operational preparedness of both the armies and develop mutual understanding of each other’s skills and procedures.
He also appreciated the high morale of the participating troops of both the countries and said that these joint military exercise would further boost the existing professional relationship between the two friendly armies.
He added, “I am pleased to know that all of the objectives set forth for YOUYI-2011 have successfully been achieved. He said this exercise was fourth in the series and was another step towards better military cooperation between the two countries. 260 troops from China and 280 troops from Pakistan participated in the exercise.
Inspector General Training and Evaluation Lieutenant General Muzammil Hussain sPakistan-China Joint military exercise believed that these joint military exercise would provide an opportunity to troops of both countries to gain from each other’s experience, aid. He said China has always been a close friend of Pakistan and the armies of both countries continue to maintain strong ties with each other. The joint exercise was aimed at familiarisation and sharing of information through an inclusive training programme in real time.
Salient Features
Collective training at the unit and brigade level to observe drills enhance the battle competence of participating troops against intimidating operations.
Troops of special services group of the both countries practiced counter “non-traditional security threats” and to launch joint anti-terror operations.
Airborne jumps, heli lifting of the troops and assault on the target during the exercise.
Historic Perspectives
Both countries have close defence production and joint military exercises mechanism. Training of the personnel, joint exercises for the national defence, science and technology have been carried out since very beginning. China being a strategic ally supported Pakistan in the fields of peaceful civil nuclear power generation, defence production, heavy industry and mega infrastructural projects.
Nuclear Energy Cooperation
Pakistan-china nuclear energy cooperation is completely peaceful and in line with obligations of international non-proliferation and the safeguard and supervision of the IAEA. The Chinese premier reaffirmed to Pakistanis that china would continue to cooperate with Pakistan for peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Space Technology
Space technology is pivotal to assess and control damage from natural catastrophes. It plays a key role in tapping climatic changes and strengthens security surveillance. The new PAKSAT-1R has already been sent to the orbit on August 14, 2011 replacing the existing PAKSAT-1. Moreover, Pakistan’s first satellite ‘Badar’ was also launched with the help of China in 1990.
Both the countries have a peaceful military cooperation along with open and transparent defence production system. J-7 fighters, attack aircraft and JF-17 fighters are the prime examples of our military relations. Pakistan has identified to China the cooperation in the field of construction of submarine, bigger war ships, acquiring modern weapons and equipments. F-22 P Frigates have already been handed over to government of Pakistan.
Concluding Remarks
Joint military exercises prepare the armies to tackle all kinds of state and non-state threats in a real time. It provides them an opportunity to sharpen their professional skills and learn some thing new. It encourages them to achieve new levels of preparedness to cope with the looming threat of terror. It also further strengthens the bilateral relations between the two countries.
In the complicated regional geo-political and geo-strategic scenarios, Pak-China Joint Military Exercise ‘Friendship-IV would be helpful for both the countries which would further open new avenues of cooperation in a diversified field in the days to come.
