China and Pakistan sign military deal amid tensions with India
Description
Context: China and Pakistan signed a new memorandum of understanding to boost their already close military relations.
Both countries discussed “matters of mutual interest, regional security and enhanced bilateral defence collaboration” along with on-going projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), in which the Pakistani military is playing an increasingly prominent role.
The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is an economic route stretching from western China through Pakistan to the Indian Ocean coast.
It is part of China's Belt and Road Initiative.
‘ All-weather friendship’
Both sides “reaffirmed their commitment to ‘iron brotherhood’ and ‘all-weather’ Friendship.”
While details of the new MoU signed by the two militaries were not immediately available, it follows another agreement signed last year.
