The first submarine of China-Pakistan cooperation arrives in Karachi.

[Global Times Special Correspondent in Pakistan, Huang Xiaona] The Pakistan Navy announced on the 11th that the first submarine of the "Qilin" class, a conventionally powered submarine jointly built by Pakistan and China (referred to as the "Hangor" class by Pakistan), has arrived at the Karachi port in southern Pakistan. The statement noted that this marks an important milestone in the modernization process of the Pakistan Navy, highlighting the deepening strategic defense cooperation between Pakistan and China. According to another statement previously issued by the Pakistan Navy, this "Qilin" class submarine was officially delivered to the Pakistan Navy by the Chinese side on April 30 in Sanya, China, and after more than a month of navigation and other tasks, it arrived in Pakistan on the 11th of this month.

According to Pakistani media reports, Pakistan signed a contract with China in 2015 to procure eight "Qilin" class conventional submarines, with the first four being built by China and the latter four to be assembled by Pakistan. The first "Qilin" class conventional submarine is scheduled to be launched in China in April 2024, with the second and third submarines also set to be launched in China in 2025.

According to the Pakistan Navy, the "Qilin" class submarines are equipped with advanced combat systems and modern sensors, utilize air-independent propulsion technology, and possess enhanced stealth capabilities. The commissioning of this submarine will significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Pakistan Navy. Upon its arrival at Karachi port, a warm welcome ceremony was held by the Pakistan Navy personnel, trainees, and their families.

The Pakistan Navy stated that this is the first "Qilin" class submarine received from China, with the remaining seven to join the Pakistan Navy in the future. According to publicly available information from the Pakistan Navy, Pakistani President Zardari and Chief of Naval Staff Ashraf attended the delivery ceremony of the "Qilin" class submarine held on April 30 in Sanya, China.

Regarding the delivery of the first "Qilin" class conventional submarine built by China for Pakistan in Sanya, Jiang Bin, Deputy Director of the News Bureau of the Ministry of National Defense and spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, stated on May 9 that this is a normal equipment cooperation between China and Pakistan and a vivid embodiment of the all-weather strategic partnership between the two countries. 

Jiang Bin said that the two militaries have supported each other and worked closely together over the years, achieving fruitful cooperation in strategic communication, joint exercises and training, personnel training, and equipment technology, playing an important role in maintaining the security of both countries and regional peace and stability. In the next step, the two militaries will continue to strengthen strategic mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and contribute to building a closer China-Pakistan community of shared destiny and promoting world peace and development.