Wang Yi and Asim Munir held discussions on a range of matters, but special emphasis was laid on discussing India and Afghanistan.
Pakistan-China relations: In a concerning development for India, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a high-level meeting with Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, recognizing the Army’s influence and the Pakistani military chief as the country’s de-facto leader. As per reports, Wang and Munir held discussions on a range of matters, but special emphasis was laid on discussing India and Afghanistan.
What did Wang Yi say?
Wang Yi, who arrived in Islamabad after visiting Afghanistan and India, assured Islamabad that Beijing will continue its multi-faceted support to Pakistan, according to Pakistani media reports. The Chinese FM said China and Pakistan shared strong bond backed by trust and loyalty, and Beijing’s stance on Islamabad will not change in any situation.
Analysts believe the meeting between Asim Munir and Wang Yi is an attempt by China to strengthen the strategic message against Western alliances and the emerging security system in the Indo-Pacific region, especially the US-backed Quad. While Pakistani officials downplayed it as a ‘regular meeting’. intelligence sources point out China bypassing Pakistan’s civilian institutions and engaging directly with the Pakistan Army, further strengthens the military’s supremacy.
Why there’s concern for India?
The Munir-Wang meeting also focused on joint anti-terrorism operations, but defense analysts fear that Pakistan could expand the presence of Chinese troops Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Balochistan under the pretext of fighting terrorism, raising security concerns for New Delhi as more People’s Liberation Army (PLA) soldier could be deployed close to the Indian border.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir on Friday.
- China has assured its continued support to Pakistan.
- Wang Yi had visited Afghanistan and India before heading to Pakistan.
- The Munir-Wang meeting has raised security concerns for India.
According to experts, the meeting was aimed to strengthen the China-Pakistan partnership to counter India’s growing regional influence and its strategic ties with the Quad countries and Middle Eastern partners. The development is likely further deepen regional conflicts, as China’s open military support to Pakistan poses a major challenge Indian security interests in the region.
