BEIJING, August 21 (DNA): China on Wednesday welcomed the extension of
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa‘s term for another
three years, saying he is an “old friend” of the Chinese government who
has made “robust” contributions to the bilateral relations.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said that Pakistan
Army, under the leadership of General Qamar Javed Bajwa will continue to
make contributions to upholding Pakistan’s sovereignty and security
interests as well as the peace and stability in the region.

“We believe under the leadership of Gen. Bajwa, Pakistan Army will
continue to make contributions to upholding Pakistan’s sovereignty and
security interests and regional peace and stability,” Geng Shuang said.

He said: “We noticed the decision by the Pakistan government. Gen Bajwa
is an extraordinary leader of the Pakistani army. He is also an old
friend of Chinese government and the army.”

General Bajwa, 58, who was appointed as the chief of army staff by
former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in November 2016, was to retire in
November, but Prime Minister Imran Khan extended his term for another
three years in view of the “regional security environment”.

The decision was taken amid fresh tension in India-Pakistan relations
and the ongoing Afghan peace talks between the US and the Taliban
militants, facilitated by Islamabad.