Context
A contingent of Chinese Air Force jets and staff has arrived in Pakistan for conducting of a joint operational exercise. The Pakistan Air Force announced the exercise is codenamed Shaheen-1. This is the first time Chinese air force is known to have deployed in Pakistan.
The timing of the exercise is peculiar as it is taking place when US-Pakistan relations have snow dived in the aftermath of Raymond Davis incident. General Kiyani delivered a particularly stern statement after the drone attack in North Waziristan on March 17, reportedly killing about 41 local tribesmen. Some media reports also indicate Pakistan Air Force has been put on red alert to avert another drone attack in tribal areas.
