Chinese navy concludes four-day joint training programme with Pakistan, departs from Karachi port

The two countries engaged in various drills like formation movement, joint escort, helicopter landing on each other's ships and as joint air defence.

A Chinese naval fleet that had arrived in Karachi on June 10 has concluded its four-day visit on Wednesday (June 14). The Chinese military has said that China and Pakistan have held naval drills in the Arabian Sea, in order to deepen interoperability between their navies in the Indian Ocean.

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The People's Liberation Army (PLA) said it comprised the guided-missile destroyer Chang chun, a guided-missile frigate Jinzhou and a supply ship Chaohu under mission commander Rear Admiral Shen Hao, Deputy Commander East Sea Fleet.

At least five surface ships and two ship-borne helicopters of both the navies participated in the joint drill. The two countries engaged in various drills like formation movement, joint escort, helicopter landing on each other's ships and as joint air defence.

As a part of the interoperability enhancement programme, both the navies performed tactical maneuvers and boarding as well as Go Fast drills. They also participated in different serials of air defence exercise and anti-ship missile defence exercise.

While the two countries said that the four-day-visit was for the purpose of training, it might be China's first step to set base in Pakistan.

According to recent reports, China has been looking forward to expand its military capabilities across the globe and set bases in countries like Pakistan.

Russia not joining CPEC — Russia has rubbished Pakistani media reports that claimed Moscow was joining CPEC. In Picture: Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif speaks at the inauguration of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor port in Gwadar, Pakistan November 13, 2016.Reuters

The two countries have also engaged in various other joint programmes recently, of which the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the most eminent one. India has always shown a strong opposition to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of China's prestigious 'Belt and the Road Initiative' (BRI), as the CPEC passes through Gilgit and Baltistan of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which is also considered as India's integral part.

India also boycotted China's One Belt One Road summit as it said that it would not accept a project which ignores its core concern over sovereignty and territorial integrity.