BEIJING: The successful conduct of joint training between Chinese and
Pakistani air forces was one of the highlights of China’s international
military cooperation this year, Chinese Defense Ministry’s Spokesperson,
Senior
Colonel Ren Guoqiang said here on Thursday.
“In my view, during the China’s international military cooperation in the
past year, one of the highlights is successful conducting of the joint
training between Chinese and Pakistani air forces,” he said during a
monthly press briefing held at the China’s National Defense Ministry.
The air forces of both the countries conducted a 20-day joint training
exercise “Shaheen-VI” in China in September last.
Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17 Thunder, Mirage, F-7PG and ZDK aircraft along
with PLA Air Force J-8, J-11, JH-7 and KJ-200 AWACS aircraft and ground
forces including surface-to-air missile and radar troops took part in the
exercise.
The PAF contingent, comprising combat pilots, air defense controllers and
technical ground crew participated in the bilateral exercise.
During the exercise, the Chinese and Pakistani air forces demonstrated
mutual trust by sitting in the same fighter jets.
“Pakistan is all-weather friend of China and both the countries enjoy a
very good military relationship
and they have carried out cooperation on various subjects,” he remarked
while responding to a
question asked by APP Correspondent.
About goodwill visit of Pakistan Naval Ship “SAIF” to Shanghai port and the
training exercise with
the PLA Naval Ships early this month, he said, the visit was one of the
exchange programs between
the two navies this year.
In the following year, both the countries would also conduct more practical
cooperation in defense
field and there would be more pragmatic cooperation and exchange programs
between the two
armed forces, he added.