Pak Army chief discusses Kashmir issue with top Chinese general

Gen Xu and the COAS had a one-on-one meeting in which they discussed regional security and ways to bolster bilateral collaboration.

SNS | New Delhi | August 27, 2019 1:44 pm

Pak Army chief discusses Kashmir issue with top Chinese general

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa discussed the Kashmir issue with Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC) General Xu Qiliang, according to reports on Tuesday.

“A Chinese delegation led by the CMC Vice-Chairman visited the GHQ,” The Express Tribune quoted the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) as saying in a statement.

Gen Xu and the COAS had a one-on-one meeting in which they discussed regional security and ways to bolster bilateral collaboration.

Gen Bajwa lauded Beijing’s understanding and support on the Kashmir issue, the statement said.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed to enhance defence cooperation and capacity building of Pakistan Army, the military’s media wing said.

On his arrival at the GHQ, Gen Xu was given a guard of honour.

Earlier this month, General Qamar Javed Bajwa had met with Corps Commanders Conference in Rawalpindi to discuss the situation along the LOC and the developments in Jammu and Kashmir even as a joint session of Parliament was summoned by President Arif Alvi.

In an unprecedented move, the Centre scrapped Article 370 of the Indian Constitution which gives autonomous status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier this month, a UN Security Council (UNSC) closed-door meeting on “India/Pakistan” was held at the insistence of China, Pakistan’s all-weather ally.

Except for China, all the other four permanent members of the Council have openly backed New Delhi’s position.