On July 15th 2026, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan hosted a reception to celebrate the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) of Pakistan, graced the event as the Chief Guest. The reception brought together about 550 guests, including more than 30 generals of the Pakistan Armed Forces, two ex-Chairmen Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, some Pakistani government officials, Defense/Military Attachés from dozens of countries, as well as some staff of Chinese institutions and overseas Chinese in Pakistan. The Chinese Ambassador H.E. Mr. Jiang Zaidong, together with other diplomats from the Chinese Embassy, attended the celebration.

Major General Wang Zhong, the Chinese Defense Attaché, addressed the reception. He stated that the PLA will unswervingly uphold the absolute leadership of the Communist Party of China, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military to achieve the Centenary Goal of the PLA on schedule. China and Pakistan will stand together to make greater contribution to safeguarding world peace and stability, as well as building a community with a shared future for mankind.

CAS Baber highlighted that China, under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, has achieved all-round development, setting an example for the world. The bilateral defense parternership grounded in the vision of building an even closer Pakistan-China community with a shared future will continue to move forward.

The guests spoke highly of China’s achievements in national defense and military modernization, and expressed their expectation that both sides will continue to open a new chapter in history.