Karachi, The Pakistan Navy and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy of China inaugurated their bilateral naval exercise, Sea Guardian-2023, at the Pakistan Navy Dockyard in Karachi. The opening ceremony was marked by the presence of high-ranking naval officials from both countries.

According to DIRECTOR GENERAL PUBLIC RELATIONS (NAVY), Rear Admiral Liang Yang, Commander of Qingdao Naval Base, attended as the Guest of Honour, alongside Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi, Commander of the Pakistan Fleet. Vice Admiral Abbasi, in his opening remarks, highlighted the deep strategic ties between Pakistan and China, focusing on the naval cooperation between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of meticulous planning in the exercise and expressed optimism for enhanced strategic cooperation and interoperability between the two navies.

Rear Admiral Liang Yang, in his speech, expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Navy for hosting the Sea Guardian exercise and anticipated a mutually beneficial and professionally rewarding experience from the joint exercise. He recognized the significance of the exercise in strengthening the naval collaboration between the two nations.

The Chinese Flotilla, consisting of naval ships, a submarine, a submarine rescue ship, and a detachment of the PLA (Navy) Marines Corps, arrived in Karachi to participate in the exercise. The exercise will feature advanced level joint drills and naval maneuvers in the North Arabian Sea, involving frontline destroyers, frigates, air and other assets, and Marines/Special Forces from both navies. The exercise will also include professional and social activities during the harbor phase.

The primary aim of Exercise Sea Guardian-2023 is to exchange professional experiences regarding contemporary traditional and non-traditional threats in the Indian Ocean Region and to enhance bilateral cooperation and interoperability between the two navies. This exercise is a testament to the strong military cooperation between the Pakistan Navy and the Chinese Navy and is expected to further bolster the bilateral relationship.

The ceremony was attended by a large number of military officials from both navies, reflecting the significance of the event in the context of regional security and naval cooperation.