Chinese Naval Task Group are on a goodwill visit to Karachi to participate in 3rd Pakistan Navy and People’s Liberation Army (Navy) bilateral exercise

Karachi, January 09, 2016 (PPI-OT): Chinese Naval Task Group comprising PLA(N) ships QINGHAIHU, LIUZHOU and SANYA are on a goodwill visit to Karachi to participate in 3rd Pakistan Navy and PLA(Navy) bilateral exercise. PLA (Navy) ships were extended warm welcome on their arrival at Karachi on 7 Jan 2016. Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, Chief of the Naval Staff, visit the PLA (N) ships at Karachi on 8 Jan. A joint press briefing was held today at Fleet Headquarters Karachi which was co-chaired by Vice Admiral Syed Arifullah Hussaini. Commander Pakistan Fleet and Rear Admiral Yu Manjian, Commander Chinese Naval Task Group.

While briefing the media, Commander Pakistan Fleet highlighted the time tested friendship as well as growing economic and military cooperation between the two countries. Both the navies enjoy an “all weather” relationship which has a long history of Joint Maritime Collaboration including regular exchange visits of senior naval leadership, mutual construction of naval ships and submarines, PLA(N)’s regular participation in AMAN exercise, annual joint SOF exercise and conduct of bilateral exercise.

Recently, two PN ships also visited SHANGHAI from 28 Dec 2015 to 3 Jan 2016 to participate in 2nd bilateral exercise of the series which is a testimony of growing mutual desire to improve the level of coordination.

The contemporary maritime environment necessitates cooperation between both navies to handle complex asymmetric challenges. Pakistan Navy and PLA (N) have been interacting since long, however, the recent series of naval exercise involving ships, aircraft and special forces are unique in the entire spectrum of multi faceted operation. The exercises are aimed to further strengthen mutual collaboration, enhance interoperability and tactical proficiency.

The ongoing 3rd Pakistan Navy and PLA (N) bilateral exercise comprises an elaborate harbour and sea phase. Highlights of the harbour phase are the official call by Commander Chinese Naval Task Group and Commanding Officers on PN Flag Officers, conduct of professional seminars, exchange visits and exercises/drills involving special forces. The sea phase of the exercise covers entire spectrum of maritime and naval operations involving ships, helicopters, maritime patrol aircraft, fighter aircraft and special forces.

The Chinese Admiral thanked Pakistan Navy for warm welcome and traditional hospitality. He further reiterated that the exercise is a reflection of the strong ties between the two navies and manifestation of converging strategic interests of the two countries which will go a long way in promoting maritime security and stability in the region.

For more information, contact:
Lieutenant Commander Shakeel Ahmad
Assistant Director
Directorate of Public Relations
Pakistan Navy
Tel: +92-21-20063210
Cell: +92-333-2171764, +92-300-2171038