Pakistan Navy and China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) have concluded the bilateral maritime exercise Sea Guardian-IV, held from March 25 to April 1, with a focus on enhancing interoperability and regional maritime cooperation.

According to an official statement, the exercise comprised two phases: a five-day port visit in Karachi and a two-day sea phase in the North Arabian Sea.

PLA Navy ship Daqing received a warm welcome from PNS Taimur upon arrival in Karachi.

The port phase included exchange visits aboard naval vessels, tours of maritime installations, and professional discussions on contemporary maritime challenges. A maiden Young Officers Seminar was also held as part of the engagements.

Following the port phase, ships from both navies participated in the sea phase, conducting a range of operational drills. These included air defence exercises to counter multi-domain threats, coordinated operations with a Pakistan Navy submarine, conventional war-at-sea manoeuvres, and live gunnery firing.

Officials said the drills improved coordination and interoperability at both operational and tactical levels.

The exercise concluded with a coordinated patrol by Pakistan Navy and PLA Navy ships in the Arabian Sea, underscoring their commitment to maritime security and stability in the region.