Iron-Clad Solidarity: The Expanding Defence Axis of China and Pakistan

by Abdul Haq

Often hailed as a ‘all-weather friendship’, the relationship between China and Pakistan has developed into what both parties now refer to as a ‘ironclad’brotherhood. Even though their economic ties — especially under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its flagship China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) — have received a lot of attention, the relationship on defence component has long been a pillar of strategic collaboration. The growing military and security cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad represents not only a convergence of interests, however also a shared vision of regional stability, sovereignty, and mutual respect in a region characterised by instability, shifting alliances, and lasting rivalries.

The trajectory, strategic imperatives, and prospects for the defence relationship between China and Pakistan are examined in this article. It contends that the partnership is distinguished by strategic alignment, technological cooperation, and a shared commitment to regional balance, going beyond arms transfers or symbolic exercises.

China-Pakistan defence cooperation began in the early 1960s. Both nations found common ground in opposing Indian regional hegemony after the Sino-Indian War of 1962 and their own conflicts with India. Long-lasting military ties were established by China’s early assistance to Pakistan during the Indo-Pak wars in 1965 and 1971 and its subsequent position as a dependable defence supplier.

China’s involvement with Pakistan became increasingly strategic, in contrast to the transactional character of many international arms relationships. When Western assistance was limited because of sanctions or changes in geopolitics, China filled crucial voids in Pakistan’s defence capabilities. After developing through co-production projects and strategic discussions in the 1990s and 2000s, the partnership has now entered a new phase of multifaceted security cooperation.

The collaborative manufacturing of military equipment is a defining feature of the defence partnership. A prime example of domestic capability fuelled by bilateral technological synergy is the JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, which was jointly developed by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and Pakistan’s Aeronautical Complex. The aircraft, which is currently being exported to third countries, demonstrates the strategic trust and sophistication of defence ties.

With Pakistan acquiring cutting-edge Chinese frigates (Type 054A/P), submarines (Hangor-class), and maritime patrol platforms, naval cooperation has also increased. In addition to updating Pakistan’s naval force, these purchases support Chinas objective of protecting the Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs), which are vital for China’s energy imports and run through the Indian Ocean.

China is enhancing Pakistan’s deterrence capabilities through air defence systems, missile batteries, and surveillance technologies. Cooperation in the civil nuclear domain strengthens Pakistan’s energy security and defence industry technical know-how. Joint exercises, strategic consultations, and military communication support the relationship.

Frequent joint exercises, like the Air Force’s ‘Shaheen’ series, the Navy’s ‘Sea Guardians’, and the Army’s ‘Warrior’ special forces, improve interoperability while also fostering confidence and operational synergy. As the threats facing both nations change, these drills increasingly include intricate scenarios involving electronic warfare, urban warfare, and counterterrorism.

In regional fora like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), where both nations support multilateralism, non-interference, and regional stability, the alignment is even more noticeable. They further solidify their strategic worldviews by opposing bloc politics and military alliances.

China changed from being a conventional external partner to an internal stakeholder in Pakistan’s stability with the start of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in 2015. Security cooperation took on a new dimension as Chinese engineers, citizens, and investments were dispersed throughout Pakistan, from Gilgit-Baltistan to Gwadar.

In response, Pakistan established specialised protection units, including Frontier Corps units and the Special Security Division (SSD), whose mission was to protect Chinese infrastructure and personnel. In response, China has supported these initiatives with intelligence cooperation, training, and equipment. China now de facto participates in Pakistan’s internal security matrix as a result of this dynamic.

There are also sensitive ramifications to this changing reality: China is growing more worried about the threats posed by Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Baloch insurgents, and spill-over from Afghanistan. Because it has a stake in long-term stability, Beijing has started to take a more active role in advocating for political development and reconciliation in Pakistan’s western regions.

Pakistan-China’s defence cooperation is crucial for regional deterrence, especially against India. Post-2019 Pulwama attack, China increased cooperation, improving Pakistan’s military readiness with advanced weapons and joint training programs to deter potential war.

The Pakistan-China defence alliance faced challenges during the May 2025 crisis, involving a militant attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. India responded with ‘Operation Sindoor’, involving precision airstrikes on Pakistan’s suspected terrorist infrastructure. Pakistan launched ‘Operation Bunyan al-Marsus’ in retaliation, using advanced Chinese military equipment. This event highlighted China’s importance as a security partner and its desire to assess its defense exports’ effectiveness. The Sino-Pak alliance is expected to grow as India strengthens security cooperation with Western allies.

One factor preventing unilateral action in South Asia is the implied threat of Chinese resupply or diplomatic pressure on India’s eastern flank. The partnership gives Pakistan strategic depth, and China continues to view Pakistan as a reliable ally in countering India’s increasing allegiance to Western nations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific.

In the future, Pakistan-China defence cooperation is expected to grow into non-traditional security areas, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, space security, and health security. Pakistan may be a crucial testing ground for Chinese security frameworks and models overseas as China moves forward with its Global Security Initiative (GSI).

Furthermore, under frameworks like the BRI, SCO, or C+C5, there is growing potential for multilateral security cooperation involving third parties like Turkey, the Gulf States, or Central Asian republics. The range of involvement could be further expanded through collaborative efforts in humanitarian response, peacekeeping, and issues related to the relationship between climate change and security.

The defence ties between China and Pakistan have developed into a comprehensive strategic partnership based on long-term dedication, mutual trust, and shared interests. This unbreakable bond helps China achieve its goal of a safe and stable periphery while also bolstering Pakistan’s defence capabilities and discouraging regional imbalances.

Defence cooperation will continue to be a key component of both nations’ broader bilateral vision as they navigate the difficulties of an unpredictable international order characterised by technological disruption, geopolitical rivalries, and asymmetric threats. This partnership can be a cornerstone of regional peace and a model of South-South strategic solidarity if it is managed carefully, transparently, and with mutual sensitivity.