China-Pakistan Defence Ties
China and Pakistan relations date back to 1951 when both nations diplomatically established formal relations. In March 1963, both nations settled the disputed boundary through talks and reaffirmed commitment to strengthen their ties. Pakistan was an ally of the U.S. during the cold war and was an active member of the SEATO and CENTO frameworks. However, this status did not deter China-Pak ties to flourish and both nations gradually improved their military ties and worked together in joint projects.
Over the years, Pakistan purchased FT-5 trainers, F-6, and A-5 fighter jets which were replaced by jointly produced K-8 and Chinese-led F-7 programs. Pakistan joined the Chengdu Super 7 project in 1995 which eventually evolved to become the JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft which today is Pakistan’s mainstream fighter jet taking over the roles traditionally held by French Mirages and American F-16 Fighting Falcons. The latest acquisition by Pakistan is the induction of J-10C Vigorous Dragon which will help Pakistan in maintaining numerical and qualitative parity with its Eastern neighbor.
Pakistan is also a major importer of ground equipment fielding most anti-aircraft guns such as Type 55/65 and Type 54P from China. Other major equipment include SAMs such as HQ-7, HQ-16, HQ-9; Main Battle Tanks from obsolete Type 59 and Type 69 upgraded under Al-Zarrar MBT program, to Type 85, Al-Khalid tank and recently operationalized VT-4. A-100 MRL, SH-15 in Artillery, Type 56 rifle as an assault rifle, and CH-3 based NESCOM’s Burraq aerial vehicle have also been inducted in large quantities.
China also exported the AWACS version of Shaanxi-Y8 to Pakistan consisting of a consignment of a total of 4 aircraft. In the naval domain, Pakistan will soon produce 4 Hangor Class submarines in Karachi, the local name given to Type 039B submarines while 4 are being produced in China already. One Type 54A/P has already sailed under Pakistan’s flag while 3 more are underway for induction into the fleet. 4 F-22P or Zulfiqar-class frigates are serving Pakistan Navy while 4 Azmat-Class fast attack craft are also performing their duties.
China and Pakistan periodically perform joint exercises including the “Shaheen” series of aerial exercises and counter-terrorism exercise series named “warrior”. Pakistan and China in December 2020 also signed a defense pact for intelligence sharing between Pakistan Army and People's Liberation Army. Such cooperation has only strengthened with time as both countries are proud to state their ‘all-weather’ strategic friendship. Pakistan is still a Major-Non-NATO Ally of the U.S., however, it has an iron relationship with China indicating that in the new competition between the West and China, Pakistan will not be joining any camps.
