Islamabad: Pakistan Army chief Gen Ashfaq
Parvez Kayani on Wednesday embarked on a five-day official visit to
China at the invitation of the Chinese leadership.
The visit comes amidst continuing tensions in Pakistan's
relations with the US.
The powerful army chief will call on the political and
military leadership of China during the visit, the
Inter-Services Public Relations said in a brief statement.
Kayani's interactions will "encompass the complete range
of Pakistan-China relations related to security and defence",
the statement said without giving details.
China is the largest supplier of military equipment to
Pakistan.
In recent years, China has provided Pakistan frigates,
combat jets and other gear at subsidised prices or against
soft loans.
Late last month, top Chinese diplomat Dai Bingguo had
visited Pakistan amidst heightened tensions following the
November 26 cross-border NATO attack in which 24 soldiers of
the country were killed and open discord between government
and army over a memo alleging an army plot to seize power.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, January 04, 2012, 23:22