Pakistan, China hold first joint naval patrol to safeguard CPEC

In a historic move, Chinese and Pakistani naval warships have commenced their first-ever joint maritime patrol in the northern Arabian Sea. This collaborative effort is a tangible step to ensure the security of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The task group, featuring China's Type 054A frigate Linyi and Pakistan's F-22P frigate Saif, initiated the joint patrol around major maritime routes and port channels as part of the Sea Guardian-3 joint exercise.

The drills aim to demonstrate the shared commitment of both nations in safeguarding the CPEC. The training encompassed various aspects, including joint search and rescue operations, formation maneuvering, and VBSS (visit, board, search, and seizure), enhancing their collective capabilities in addressing maritime security threats.

Additionally, a separate task group, involving six warships, launched the sea phase of the drill in the northern Arabian Sea. This joint naval patrol is crucial given the significance of the Arabian Sea for both China and Pakistan in terms of trade and energy transport, especially with the vital link provided by the CPEC. Experts suggest that such joint patrols may become a routine practice.

The Sea Guardian-3 exercise marks the third and largest edition of this collaborative effort.