As part of the legitimate military trade between China and Pakistan, two warships have been donated to the Pakistan Navy. The maritime vessels will be used for joint security along the sea route of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The CPEC is a partnership between the two countries which aims to enhance the geographical linkages, also benefitting neighboring countries like Iran, Afghanistan, India, Central Asian Republic and the region.
It will facilitate trade along an overland route that connects Kashgar and Gwadar through a construction of a network of highways, railways, optical fiber and pipelines.
"The ships have become part of the Pakistan Navy from today and the navy would become stronger with the induction of these maritime vessels," said Vice-Admiral Arifullah Hussaini, Commander of the Pakistan Navy.
Hussaini received PMSS Hingol and PMSS Basol, which were named after two rivers in the region. China will be providing two more ships to Pakistan in the near future named "Dasht" and "Zhob."
China clarified on Monday that the warships were not donations, but were sold to Pakistan.
"I have learnt that some reports said China has donated these vessels. This is not correct. The report mentioned to surveillance ships. It is normal military trade cooperation with the two countries and complies with the international commitments of the two countries," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying.
Aside from joint security measures at Gward Port and along the CPEC sea route, the ships will also be employed in all maritime zones of Pakistan to undertake search and rescue operations.
China has invested $14 billion so far in 30 early harvest project under the partnership.
According to Chinese embassy deputy chief of mission Zhao Lijian, 16 out the 30 projects are currently under construction.
Through this recent deal, China and Pakistan have ensured the security of their partnership from possible threats.