Cheng Xizhong, a special commentator of China Economic Net, a former Defense Attache in South Asian Countries, a former UN Senior Military Observer

These days, there are some reports about Pakistan purchasing arms including weapons from China. Here, I want to talk about China's arms export policy. China has always taken a prudent and responsible attitude in exporting weapons and strictly adhered to three principles: first, to help recipient countries improve their legitimate self-defence capabilities; second, not to undermine peace, security and stability in relevant regions and the world; and third, not to interfere in the internal affairs of recipient countries.

I would like to emphasize in particular that China exports some weapons to Pakistan not against any third country. China mainly helps Pakistan improve its self-defence capability, contributing to peace and stability in South Asia. I understand that Pakistan is pursuing a defensive defense strategy and will not provoke war on its own initiative.

It has been reported that Pakistan has decided to buy 360 T-90 tanks from Russia. For a long time, India's weapons and equipment mainly come from Russia. It would be interesting if Russia also sells weapons to Pakistan. At present, the situation in the whole region is heading in the direction of peace. First, India and Pakistan, two major powers in South Asia, are both focusing on economic development and are committed to economic development and changing the face of poverty and backwardness. Secondly, India and Pakistan have joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. China and Russia are both members of the SCO. I believe that the cooperation among relevant countries will help improve the relations between India and Pakistan.

I was asked which army is superior, the Indian Army or the Pakistani army. I don't think we should simply compare military superiority. The most important thing today is to see which country develops faster and has stronger economic strength. Therefore, for India and Pakistan, the most important mission now is to develop the economy, get rid of poverty and enhance the strength of their respective countries. India and Pakistan have a combined population of more than 1.5 billion. If more than 1.5 billion people are well-off, this is a great contribution to mankind. As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi rightly said, we need to solve the problem between India and Pakistan with hugs.

Someone also asked me if the cessation of U.S. military aid to Pakistan would have any impact on Pakistan's military. It should be made clear here that in the past 20 years, the United States has not provided any substantial assistance to Pakistan. The small amount of money that the United States has given Pakistan is the compensation paid for the use of Pakistani facilities during the war against terrorism. Compared with the enormous losses suffered by Pakistan, the United States has given little. Therefore, if the United States changes its policy towards Pakistan and stops paying compensation, it will have little impact on the Pakistan`s military.

I sincerely wish that Pakistan would a strong nation in the region. I have said many times that upgrading of Pakistan's strength and position is conducive to the balance of power in South Asia, and that maintaining balance is conducive to regional peace and stability. The relationship between China and Pakistan is excellent, and the relationship between the two militaries is also excellent. However, China and Pakistan have no deal against any third party. If there is a common enemy, terrorism is the one for the two militaries in the current situation. Therefore, the two militaries can further strengthen their cooperation in maintaining regional security.