Pakistan is the first Muslim country who recognize Peoples Republic of China on January4, 1950 and accept the “One China Policy”. Defense and security collaboration is the mainstay of Pakistan China Relation. This Cooperation encompasses the entire system of nation’s security and by using the military tactics safeguard people and sovereignty of nation against external invasion. In 1950 the bilateral relation between China and Pakistan were announced and both countries always gave respect and importance to this special partnership. Pakistan and China both have strong strategic autonomy and defense mechanism for addressing the security threats and promote regional stability. Pak-China defense partnership began in early 1960s, the Sino-India war held in 1962 brought both countries at the point where there are opposing thought of Indians regional hegemonic power. In 1963 Sino-Pakistan Agreement; a document through which both countries resolved their border disputes and build strong trust level. China gave weapons to Pakistan after 1965 and 1971s war of Pakistan and India. And they build stable defense system. In 1966 strategic alliance and in 1972 Pakistan got Chinese military assistance and later the military cooperation increased significantly. Pakistan has supported position of China on Xinjiang, Tibet and also during Sino-India border dispute.
The collaboration and support remain un effected, when there occurs several ups and downs or tension with the rest of world. China support Pakistan through military and non-military measures and provide tools to proactive cyber security, environmental security, health and economic security.
Defense and Security as a Backbone of Partnership:
The purpose of collaboration with the China is to secure and strengthen countries defense system. China is the largest supplier of military equipment to Pakistan, According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPR) approximately 81% Pakistan arms import from China between 2019 and 2025. Both Armies organizing several joint military exercises, trainings, research, defense and security talks. Pakistan yearly sending largest number of military training officials to China. The key arms import from China include Aircrafts (J-10CE 4.5 generation, Fighter Jets, JF-17 Thunder Block (joint collaboration project), Naval vessels (Hangar 2-class submarines, type 054A guided missile frigates) Air and Missile defense, Armored vehicle (VT4 battle tank) and Drones. Initially Pakistan imports from America due to several reasons Pakistan shift imports towards China because it’s more cost effective than America. In 2007,2008 due to America support to India for nuclear projects, high sanctions, cost and after 11/9 the threats of terrorism increase and cause to level up Defense Trade.
Defense and Development of Nation:
Strong Defense ensure only when nations able to drive broader economic, technological and infrastructural progress. The progress leads to get sustainable investment for bearing arms expense. If the country has innovative research labs, infrastructure, equipment, sustainable energy provision, communication network, skilled workers and expertise than they are able to operate stable defense system. In 2025 Pakistan imports arms of $2billion and cost exceeds from it. Development of nation is pillar which provide support to defense sector. “More sustainability leads to More Development and More Solid Defense System”. The CPEC project under flagship of BRI leads to increase infrastructure, green sustainable energy, internet connectivity and technological progress. The largest investment of China established special economic zone through which Pakistan got benefits by increasing jobs, trade and stable growth. It directs to increase in GDP and empowering Pakistan to stabilize protectionism. For current year 2025 around $7.64 billion Pakistan spend for defense and $9billion announced for 2026, it’s approximately 20% increase from previous year.
The reason behind is clear that Pakistan faces high security threat from border of India and Afghanistan. On 7 May 2025 the “first drone war” held between two nuclear armed nations India and Pakistan. The remarkable shows of defense system and military forces unity defeated the India and stuck their defense system and command and control center. The JF-17 Thunder is used by Pak-Air forces which crafts through joint collaboration of China and Pakistan. China stood with Pakistan during all the time of need “All Weather friend”.
China struggled to agree both countries for ceasefire and stay cool-headed because the nuclear power countries conflict result should be more severe. China and Pakistan both are peace loving countries and always willing to work for the prosperity of nations. But the fact is that if any nation challenged the sovereignty of other country result will more catastrophic. The countries always stand to protect their nation in case of conventional and non-conventional warfare.
Proactive and Reactive Defense:
Pakistan and China Proactive approach rely on directing defense system, deeply military corporation, joint production capabilities, shared technology, cybersecurity and internal security to ensure the safety. And reactive approach is the response of conflict that occurred. The response of Pakistan army against India on 10 may 2025 “Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos” the defense operation in which Pakistan dominates by their strong defense system and use of joint military produced arms like JF-17 thunder.
China helps Pakistan to became the military industrial complex just like Pak Aeronautical Complex develop with the assistance of China which help to build aircrafts, radar system and other equipment. China and Pakistan strategic partnership improving cross border management and counter-terrorism efforts such as drug smuggling.
Conclusion:
Over the years, Pakistan-China partnership is a model of trust-based corporation which strengthen the defense mechanism and the development of nation. Pakistan and China emphasize on the shared future for mankind by taking people centered initiatives and contracting conflicts through ties. Both countries have same vision for long term peace, development and also emphasize the borders security and healthy relations with neighbor countries. Through the strong defense there should be a sense of security that become the reason of attracting tourist, investors and enhance the collaboration with other countries under CPEC: flagship project of BRI (belt and road initative). China never favors the dominance of one nation over other but always make decision to give better future to the next generation. The “ALL WEATHER FRIENDSHIP” gives a Light up future completely on win-win situation Priority is Peace instead of War, Humanity valued over Race and Colors, Equality matters instead of equity and leads to alleviation of poverty from the country. The Pakistan China vision about mutual respect, benefits and development of countries are same.
Participant of ICSF-UoS Fellowship Program 2025-26 at University of Sargodha.
