ISLAMABAD, SEPT 7, SPA – Pakistan and China enjoy a broad-based multifaceted relationship as the two countries are actively cooperating in political, diplomatic, social, economic, defense, security fields and the friendship between Pakistan and China is source of strength and stability for the region, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said. Talking to Jin Zhuanglong, Vice Minister, Commission of Science and Technology and Industry of National Defence (COSTIND) China, Aziz expressed satisfaction over the progress on JF-17 Thunder Aircraft and F-22 Frigate project. He said Pakistan will start receiving the JF-17 Thunder Aircraft during the first quarter of next year.  He said that Pakistan is keen to enter into new joint ventures with China in order to promote and enhance the existing collaboration in the field of defense production. The Prime Minister said that the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China is based on principles, trust and shared perceptions. Both Pakistan and China are working for peace in the region and progress and prosperity of their people. Pakistan, he said, is a peaceful country and its defense doctrine is based on having minimum credible deterrence to maintain peace and stability in the region, and to safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity.  Pakistan is playing a stabilizing role in the region and has no intention to enter into an arms race with any country, he added. Aziz said there also is a great potential of enhancement of cooperation between Pakistan and China in the field of energy as the ports of Karachi and Gwader provide the shortest link to western China for import of oil and gas. Jin Zhuanglong said China-Pakistan relations are multi-faceted, deep-rooted and time-tested and there is great scope of further enhancement of cooperation between the two countries. He said he held useful discussions with Pakistani authorities during his stay in Pakistan, which will lead to further strengthening of cooperation between Pakistan and China in the field of defense, security science and technology. --SPA www.spa.gov.sa/387654