Islamabad: A Chinese naval warship named Daqing reached Karachi port on Wednesday, and its arrival has caught attention because of the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Since Pakistan shares a border with Iran, the presence of a Chinese warship so close to the region has raised questions. There has been speculation that China might be helping Iran against the US, but there is no evidence linking this ship to the conflict. Officials say it has come only for a planned naval exercise.
Pakistan Navy said that the ship belongs to China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy and is in Karachi to take part in a joint exercise. The ship was welcomed formally, and Pakistani naval vessels escorted it safely to the port.
The exercise, called “Sea Guardian IV”, started on March 25 and will continue till April 2. This is the fourth time both countries are conducting this joint drill. The aim is to improve coordination and strengthen cooperation between the two navies.
The exercise includes different activities like discussions between experts, seminars for young officers, firing drills, joint patrols, and other maritime security operations.
China and Pakistan have had close relations for years, and their military ties have become stronger recently. China is also one of the biggest suppliers of weapons and defense technology to Pakistan.