By Eman Alam
ISLAMABAD: The Chief of Staff of China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), Lt General Wang Gang, praised the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) leadership for its professional acumen and strategic fore-sight while paying tribute to the exemplary performance of the PAF during the recent conflict with India.
A high-level defence delegation, led by Lt General Gang, visited Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday, the military’s media wing reported.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics, and avenues for enhanced bilateral cooperation, particularly in airpower and operational synergy, were discussed during the meeting.
Lt General Gang praised PAF pilots for delivering a decisive and measured response under the resolute leadership of Air Chief Marshal Sidhu, describing it as a textbook example of precision, discipline, and courage in the face of unprovoked aggression, the ISPR said.
“He expressed deep appreciation for the high state of operational readiness and the cutting-edge capabilities of the Pakistan Air Force,” it added.
The Chinese air chief was particularly impressed by the PAF’s seamless integration of Multi-Domain Operations, calling it a hallmark of modern air warfare. He conveyed the PLAAF’s keen interest in learning from the PAF’s battle-proven experience in Multi-Domain Operations, the statement read. On the occasion, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and reiterated that Pakistan and China enjoy historic, time-tested ties rooted in mutual trust, strategic convergence, and shared aspirations for regional peace and stability, it added.
According to the ISPR, Lt General Gang was given a comprehensive briefing on the PAF’s modern force structure, strategic initiatives, and the evolution of its operational doctrine.
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu also reaffirmed the strong bond of friendship between the two air forces and reiterated the PAF’s commitment to expanding cooperation in training, technology, and operational domains.
“The meeting stands as a testament to the shared resolve of Pakistan and China to advance their time-tested strategic partnership through deepened cooperation and innovation-driven collaboration,” the statement concluded.
Earlier, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu has commended China’s role in assisting Pakistan’s defence modernisation and technological advancement.
He was talking to Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, who called on him in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The air chief expressed his profound gratitude to China for its continued support and unwavering friendship.
He described the two nations as “Iron Brothers,” emphasizing that their bond has only strengthened over the decades and will continue to deepen through future cooperation and partnership.
Both dignitaries engaged in a comprehensive and in-depth discussion on a range of matters including corporate-level engagements, defence cooperation and the evolving geostrategic environment in the region.
They underscored the importance of cohesive and collaborative approaches in responding to emerging challenges, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining peak operational readiness and swift coordination amidst the prevailing regional security dynamics.
