Gen. Bajwa: Pakistan "indebted" to China over support on Kashmir
What's the story
Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said Pakistan is "indebted" to all-weather ally China for its "unflinching support" over the Kashmir issue, the Nuclear Suppliers Group's expansion and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
He said Sino-Pak relations are "based on mutual trust, respect, understanding and cooperation."
Bajwa spoke at a reception hosted by the Chinese embassy in Rawalpindi marking the Chinese army's 90th anniversary.
Statement
Pakistan's friendship with China "flourishing"
Bajwa described China and Pakistan as "important strategic players in the region."
He said both countries face similar challenges and opportunities.
He said the two have also assumed responsibilities towards regional stability and the prosperity of their citizens.
Bajwa said Pakistan's friendship with China "is flourishing with every passing day, which encompasses every aspect of our life."
Strategic partners
Bajwa hails Sino-Pak military ties
Bajwa also hailed the close ties between the Pakistani military and the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).
He said the "professional collaboration between PLA and Pakistan army, will continue to expand to bring peace to the region in general and China-Pakistan in particular."
It's important to note that Pakistan is the biggest buyer of Chinese military hardware.
Details
India remains wary of close Sino-Pak ties
Among the biggest reasons of the close Sino-Pak ties are a result of their shared insecurity towards India.
Bajwa's statement comes amid strained Indo-Pak relations over the Kashmir, terrorism and Kulbhushan Jadhav issues.
Chinese and Indian troops are involved in a bitter standoff in the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction area in Doklam, close to Sikkim.