ISLAMABAD: The Chinese and Pakistan navies are carrying out their major joint maritime drill ever, which is expected to enhance bilateral military relations and enhance maritime security cooperation in the region.
The seven-day exercise, which started on Saturday with an opening ceremony at the Naval Dockyard, Karachi, is known as Sea Guardian-3, the statement said. The exercise is taking place in the northern Arabian Sea and will end on 17 November.
The exercise is characterised by a large-scale deployment on both sides. The Chinese flotilla consists of naval ships, helicopters, fighter jets, a submarine and a submarine rescue ship, as well as a contingent of the Chinese Marine Corps. Pakistan Navy is contributing frontline frigates and destroyers, submarines, aircraft, and special forces.
The drill, according to the officials, will enhance interoperability between the two navies and enhance coordination in dealing with regional maritime threats, both traditional and non-traditional, in the broader Indian Ocean region.
There is also a variety of professional and cultural interactions taking place between the naval forces of the two countries during the harbour phase, which enables crews to exchange operational knowledge and experience. The sea phase will involve complex joint manoeuvres and coordinated drills in real-time operational conditions.
According to a spokesperson of the Pakistan Navy, Sea Guardian-3 is an indicator of a robust bilateral military cooperation and will help in the development of more mutual understanding and operational synergy. They further stated that the exercise will help in dealing with maritime security issues, including piracy, terrorism, and smuggling, and enhance crisis response.
This is the third edition of the Sea Guardian series of naval exercises between the two allies, and it is happening when China is aiming to increase its presence in the Indian Ocean by forming strategic alliances and security ties.
The exercise also brings the increasing defence cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing, especially in the light of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which encompasses the major trade routes of the Arabian Sea.
Military analysts observe that this kind of joint exercise is bound to increase as the two nations keep on harmonising their strategic interests in the region, particularly in terms of maritime security and defence cooperation.
The current drill is not just a demonstration of military capabilities, but also an indicator of the strengthening of trust and collaboration between the military forces of the two countries.
