Chengdu: President Asif Ali Zardari made history today as the first foreign leader to visit the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), a prominent aerospace and defense corporation in Chengdu. The visit underscored the deepening strategic ties between Pakistan and China, particularly in the realm of defense and aviation.

During his visit, President Zardari toured the expansive AVIC complex, which is renowned for its production of the J-10C fighter jet. This aircraft played a pivotal role in the recent conflict between Pakistan and India. The President engaged with AVIC’s engineers and scientists, gaining insights into their work on innovative technologies and future advancements.

President Zardari received a comprehensive briefing on AVIC’s advanced capabilities. These include the J-10 fighter jet, the co-produced JF-17 Thunder, and progress on the J-20 stealth 5th-generation fighter aircraft. Additionally, he learned about developments in unmanned aerial vehicles, automated units, and integrated command-and-control systems.

The President highlighted the significance of the J-10 and JF-17 in bolstering the Pakistan Air Force, as evidenced during the operations in May 2025. He praised AVIC as a testament to China’s technological prowess and the robust partnership between the two nations.

Accompanying President Zardari were key figures such as Chairman Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla. Also present were Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi and China’s Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong.

President Zardari reaffirmed the commitment to expanding collaboration in defense production and aviation, strengthening the strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China.