China, Pakistan reinforce air force cooperation

China and Pakistan have fruitful collaborations in air force equipment, training and flight security and will continue to deepen their cooperation in air force related fields, according to Chang Wanquan, China's defense minister.

Chang met with Pakistan's chief of air staff, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, in Beijing on Friday after Aman returned from Airshow China 2016 in Zhuhai, Guangdong province.

China and Pakistan have upheld mutual trust, understanding and support and are staunch allies and comprehensive strategic partners, said Chang, adding that China and Pakistan air forces should enhance cooperation.

Aman said Sino-Pakistan relations have withstood international turmoil and become the foundation for protecting regional and international peace. Pakistan appreciates China's support and would further cooperate with China in anti-terrorism, equipment and technology as well as personnel training in order to promote regional security, he added.

China and Pakistan air forces have held regular military drills code-named "Shaheen", which means "eagle" in Urdu, with the first one held at Pakistan's Rafiq air force base from March 5 to 30, 2011, according to China Military Online.