Chinese Air Force Chief Applauds Pakistan Air Force’s Role in May Conflict
ISLAMABAD — Chinese Air Force Chief Lieutenant General Wang Gang has praised the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for its “exemplary performance” during the recent conflict with India in May, highlighting the professionalism and strategic leadership demonstrated by Pakistani pilots.
Background of the Conflict
In early May, tensions escalated after India launched air strikes in response to the Pahalgam attack, which Pakistan firmly denied involvement in. In retaliation, the PAF successfully downed six Indian fighter jets, leading to tit-for-tat strikes on each other’s airbases. A ceasefire was brokered on May 10 following diplomatic intervention by the United States.
High-Level Defence Meeting in Islamabad
The commendation came during a high-profile visit by a Chinese military delegation led by Lt Gen Wang, who met with PAF Chief Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), both sides discussed regional security, airpower collaboration, and future training partnerships.
Praise for Pakistan’s Strategic Response
Lt Gen Wang lauded the “decisive and disciplined response” of PAF pilots, calling their actions a “textbook example of modern aerial combat.” He emphasized the strategic foresight of PAF leadership and recognized the air force’s advanced multi-domain operational capabilities.
“PAF’s precision and professionalism reflect the highest standards of air warfare,” he noted, adding that the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is eager to learn from PAF’s experience in integrated operations.
Commitment to Deeper Cooperation
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu reaffirmed the historic ties between the two nations and expressed commitment to expanding collaboration in the areas of training, defense technology, and operational strategy. He welcomed the Chinese delegation warmly and stressed the strategic convergence between Pakistan and China in promoting regional peace and stability.
“This meeting reflects our shared resolve to strengthen military partnerships through innovation and mutual trust,” said the ISPR in its statement.
A Broader Diplomatic Outreach
This significant development follows Air Chief Marshal Sidhu’s official visit to the United States, marking the first by a serving PAF air chief in over a decade. The back-to-back diplomatic engagements signal Pakistan’s strategic focus on enhancing global defense ties.
