China, Pakistan pledge to strengthen air force cooperation

BEIJING -- Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan on Friday met with visiting Pakistani Chief of Air Staff Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt to discuss bilateral military ties, including cooperation between the countries' air forces.

Chang, also a state councilor, said China is willing to make joint efforts with Pakistan to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of two countries, promote construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and build a China-Pakistan "community of shared destiny."

Chang said the Chinese military would like to enhance practical cooperation in various fields with the Pakistan military, such as military training, equipment and anti-terrorism.

Butt said Pakistan hopes the two sides can deepen strategic communication and advance friendly cooperation between the air forces.

Butt also attended the 10th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in the southern port city of Zhuhai, Guangdong Province.