China Hands Over First Qilin-Class Submarine to Pakistan, A New Chapter in Strategic Cooperation Between the Two Countries

Beijing/Sanya. China has handed over its first Qilin-class conventional submarine to Pakistan. The delivery of PNS/M Hangor, also known as the Hangor-class submarine, represents normal military equipment cooperation between the two countries and serves as a vivid embodiment of their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, the Chinese Ministry of National Defense stated on Saturday.

The submarine was formally inducted into the Pakistan Navy at a ceremony held on April 30 in Sanya, Hainan Province, South China, in the presence of Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf.

Ministry spokesperson Senior Colonel Jiang Bin stated that under the strategic leadership of both countries’ leaders in recent years, bilateral ties have continuously scaled new heights and delivered fresh outcomes. He noted that fruitful cooperation between the two militaries in strategic dialogue, joint exercises and training, personnel development, and equipment and technology has made important contributions to the security of both countries and regional peace and stability.

“In the next stage, the two militaries will further strengthen strategic mutual trust and deepen practical cooperation in various fields, so as to build an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future and contribute to world peace and development,” Spokesperson Jiang said.