6 hours ago
Last Updated:May 21, 2025, 12:37 IST
Sources confirm that the elevation of Asim Munir to the post of Field Marshal aligns strategically with China's geopolitical goals.
Pakistan's Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has been promoted to Field Marshal.
The promotion of Asim Munir to the post of Pakistan Army Field Marshal is being considered a soft coup in Pakistan, consolidating military power over the democratic setup, top intelligence sources have told CNN-News18. Munir’s reliance on religious nationalism and his close ties to jihadist proxies are likely to heighten regional tensions, which will ultimately benefit China, sources suggest. Both China and Pakistan endorse the view that Pakistan serves as an extension of China’s influence.
Sources confirm that Munir’s elevation to the post of Field Marshal aligns strategically with China’s geopolitical goals. China is particularly interested in securing its investments in Balochistan and Gilgit Baltistan, and Munir is seen as a tool to engage India at its western borders, say sources. This strategy aims to force New Delhi to split its resources between Pakistan and China, thereby, allowing China to be more assertive in regions like Ladakh.
Intelligence sources equate Munir’s rise to that of Ayub Khan’s elevation to Pakistan Army’s Field Marshal, a position that grants him lifelong ceremonial authority and symbolic power over civilian governance. Munir will maintain his role as Army Chief, merging operational and ceremonial control, which establishes military authority and diminishes the power of the civilian government, effectively creating a state within a state.
China’s investment in the $60+ billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) requires stability in Pakistan. Centralised leadership under Munir ensures streamlined decision-making and the protection of Chinese investments, sources indicate.
China supplies 80 per cent of Pakistan’s military equipment, including advanced PL-15 missiles used against India following Operation Sindoor. Munir’s hardline stance against India provides Beijing with a proxy to pressure New Delhi, say sources. This pressure will compel New Delhi to divert its resources to its western border, sources add.
China has consistently blocked India’s efforts to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed as a terrorist organisation at the United Nations. Munir’s anti-India and anti-Hindu stance, along with his support for proxy groups, aligns with Beijing’s strategy to diplomatically isolate India, sources say. Any instability in the region will benefit China, as it will likely reduce foreign investment in India, sources add.
Location : First Published:News world Asim Munir’s Field Marshal Promotion: 'Soft Coup' In Pakistan, Belligerent Message To India | Exclusive
