New horizons in Sino-Pak ties

[ChinaRocks]

Dr Raja Muhammad Khan


Pak-China relationship is an example of unprecedented and time-tested friendship. In the bi-lateral relationship of nations, there have been very less occasions once such a long-standing friendship has continued without having an iota of misunderstanding for so long. During his address with the joint session of Pakistani Parliament, Chinese Prime Minister, Wen Jiabao lauded Pakistan’s role and sacrifices it rendered in combating the terrorism. He said, “Pakistan has paid a heavy price in combating terrorism and the fight against terrorism should not be linked with any religion or ethnic group and there should be no double standards.” He emphasized upon the international community for a greater support of this Pakistani role, while making a firm commitment to further enhance and bolster the strategic and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China. Indeed, in conformity to the national interests of the peoples of both countries, this strategic cooperation would promote, “peace, stability and prosperity of the region.”

The three days historic visit of Chinese Premier is consider as a new milestone in the Sino-Pak history of bi-lateral relationship. Indeed, Pakistan is among the first few countries, which recognized and established the diplomatic relations with it in the initial days of its emergence as a communist state. Islamabad undertook hectic lobbying for China in getting UN membership. The initial measured mutual understanding got an impetus following the Sino-Pak border demarcation in 1963. In the era of Field Martial Muhammad Ayub, Sino-Pak relationship was formalised on the strategic lines. Through his strategic vision, he made Pak-China relationship as an essential and never changing pillar of the Foreign Policy of Pakistan. The same vision exists even today as declared by Premier Wen, “To cement and advance the all-weather strategic partnership of cooperation between China and Pakistan is our common strategic choice.”

China has always appreciated its deep-rooted friendship with Pakistan and acknowledges Pakistan’s untiring efforts for getting her closer to United States in early 1970s. Pakistan also acted as a bridge between Beijing and Washington and as a result, China got an opening and diplomatic and trade excess into the Western world, whereas, U.S got a Communist friend in Asia. Thereafter, Chinese markets and goods were introduced at the global level and its economy started prospering to a level of second to US only in the contemporary world today.

Unlike the traditional meetings with the President and Prime Minister, Chinese Premier met with leaders of all political parties of Pakistan. It was rather a rare mosaic of Pakistani political, religious, and territorial leadership gathering to welcome their all time friend in Islamabad. This gathering was indicative of the fact that, all political actors in Islamabad are on the same page when it comes to Sino-Pak relationship. This fact was amply highlighted in the welcoming address of the leader of opposition during joint session of Parliament, “We are mired in a lot of controversies, but on one issue there is no controversy and that is our friendship with China.” Chinese Premier also met Armed Forces heads under Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee and assured further enhancement in the ongoing cooperation in the field of defence. Premier Wen Jiabao declared that, “Beijing would never give up on Pakistan.” Seeing the unity among the leadership in Pakistan, Prime Minister Wen said that, “Government and people of Pakistan are united and moving forward to safeguard solidarity, prosperity, and sovereignty of the country.”

Today China houses 20% global population and because of its overwhelming growth rate, it has become a powerhouse of Asia. The enormous Chinese development in the field of technology, industry and even in the field of defence has created a sense of fear in the Western world. Since China has strategic partnership with Pakistan, therefore, this aspect seriously bothers India. Projects like; Karakoram highway, Gwadar port, and Chashma nuclear reactors are some of the examples of growing Sino-Pak strategic cooperation.

During the visit of Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, Pakistan and China concluded economic deals worth $35 billion in total. This indeed is a new record of the economic deals and agreements in the history of traditional friends. Both Premiers attended the Pak-China Business Cooperation summit, participated by 260 Chinese delegates with their 150 Pakistani counterparts. The agreements reached during the summit include; “development of energy sector, promotion of trade, exploration of natural resources and development of agriculture, livestock, finance and banking sectors.”

The bi-lateral trade between Pakistan and China rise from $1 billion in 2002, to $6.8 billion in 2009. Chinese Premier desires that volume of this trade should be brought to the level of $10 billion on earliest possible timeframe. In addition, Premier Wen said, “his country would increase investment in Gwadar Port, constructed by China in 2006. Chinese Premier promised that his country would remove trade barriers between Pakistan and China by improving trade infrastructure and promoting Pakistani exports. In fact, Pakistan is not a resource deficient country; nevertheless, problem lies with the technical expertise, infrastructure development, and availability of capital. Apart from huge reserves of unexplored hydrocarbons, “Pakistan has 185 billion tonnes of coal reserves, which would be converted into energy to satisfy Pakistan’s growing demand.” Pakistan welcomes Chinese investment in the energy sector and exploration of its oil and gas resources. Prime Minister assured Chinese investors for special economic incentives like; “duty-free import of plant and machinery, exemption from sales tax and income tax.” In spite of a stiff resistance from New Delhi and Washington, China has agreed to establish two nuclear plants as part of the civil nuclear energy programme.

At the political and global horizon, China supports Pakistani point of view on Kashmir issue. It has a clear and unambiguous stated stance that, Kashmiri must get their right of self-determination as per UN resolutions. China indeed, rejects all Indian assertions of betraying Pak-China relationship and regional domination by India. In addition, China does not support Indian case for a permanent membership of UNSC.

As compare to rocky, complicated, and suspicious relationship with United States, Sino-Pak relationship is a history of mutuality, naivety, and sincerity. Chinese Premier has the moral courage to laud the sacrifices of Pakistan in combating the terrorism. This acknowledgement and praise indeed, is in stark contrast to a “cacophony of statements emanating out of Washington that urge Pakistan to do more.” Therefore, the red carpet reception for such a time tested friend and declaring the “Friendship with China as a matter of pride for Pakistani nation,” by Prime Minister Gilani was a true reflection of the national sentiments

New horizons in Sino-Pak ties

 

[Veeru]

Yeah we already know it, for ur info following is the sample

China withdraws offer for import of 263 non-FTA items from Pakistan

http://www.defence.pk/forums/econom...withdraws-offer-import-263-non-fta-items.html

 

[Urbanized Greyhound]

The enormous Chinese development in the field of technology, industry and even in the field of defence has created a sense of fear in the Western world. Since China has strategic partnership with Pakistan, therefore, this aspect seriously bothers India. Projects like; Karakoram highway, Gwadar port, and Chashma nuclear reactors are some of the examples of growing Sino-Pak strategic cooperation.

At the political and global horizon, China supports Pakistani point of view on Kashmir issue. It has a clear and unambiguous stated stance that, Kashmiri must get their right of self-determination as per UN resolutions. China indeed, rejects all Indian assertions of betraying Pak-China relationship and regional domination by India. In addition, China does not support Indian case for a permanent membership of UNSC.

Can't figure out what was the point of including these two bits .....

Sino -Pak all weather friendship is great but does it have to affect either

Indo -Pak relationship or Indo -China relationship ? If this so called strategic partnership is aimed at us ( as our military planners , diplomats or policy makers determine ) it would be an extremely short-sighted and fallacious policy of decision makers in both China and Pakistan. A zero sum game or even a perceived zero sum game will force India to take adequate precautions in the form of increased strategic alliances, maybe even military alliances with other powers in the future .

Kind of hard to reconcile with the notion that China wants to increasingly engage with India to avoid India being drawn into the Western camp to be used as a proxy . Something that is repeatedly being propagated by Chinese scholars and thinktanks in various newspapers and based in several countries .

Dont know when people will realize co-operation is the only way forward.

 

[Imran Khan]

Yeah we already know it, for ur info following is the sample

China withdraws offer for import of 263 non-FTA items from Pakistan

http://www.defence.pk/forums/econom...withdraws-offer-import-263-non-fta-items.html

after you guys read such news feel good and there will be no gas-tic problems is your stomach

 

[ChinaRocks]

Learn from China

Pakistan established diplomatic relations with the Peoples Republic of China in 1950 soon after the country was liberated by Mao Tse Dong after his triumphant long march into Beijing. One year later diplomatic relations were established between the two countries. India too, recognized China at about the same time having deep friendly relation with the communist nation. The Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai slogan was raised and continued ringing in the air till Sino Indian border war erupted in 1962.

This was the time when China’s relations with Pakistan started strengthening till over a period of a few decades they became as described by the Chinese President Hu Jintao “higher than the mountains and deeper than the oceans”. This is probably the best description of the closest possible relationship between two nations. China in fact has become the strongest pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy. China strongly supported Pakistan’s opposition to Soviet involvement in Afghanistan and endorses our stand on Kashmir. Pakistan too, supports China on the issues of Xinjiang, Tibet and Taiwan. Lately military cooperation between the two countries has deepened with joint projects in the production of armaments ranging from fighter jets to guided missile frigates. In these difficult times when Pakistan’s economy is in doldrums China invests substantially in Pakistan’s infrastructural expansion like the deep water port at Gwader. Both countries have an ongoing free trade agreement. China in fact is an all weather friend of Pakistan which has an enduring multi dimensional and deep rooted relationship with Pakistan. Nevertheless, of late there has been a thaw in Sino-Indian relationship after a freeze of over a half century after their border war in 1962. This indicates China’s realistic approach about her relations with her neighbors, India being its most important neighbor like Pakistan which has made tremendous progress in recent years like China. Both countries are heading towards becoming the largest Asian super powers in the near future. China and India both realized that it is in their mutual interest to support each other to make Asia a super power like Europe and America.

Despite their long border problems, both China and India have wisely decided to put them aside in the larger interest of the progress and prosperity of both nations. During his recent visit to India the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao finalized one hundred billion dollars worth of business deals with India without speaking a word about the broader problems. India did the same. This is forward looking diplomacy without getting mired in disputes which can not be solved.

China knows that Pakistan is still mired in Kashmir dispute with India which probably can never be solved. So Mr. Wen did not say a word about it during his visit to Pakistan. Mr. Wen knows fully well that Pakistan is passing through a distressful period of its economic decline, large scale corruption, miss-governance and religious frenzy mixed with terrorism which has made the country a bundle of insolvable problems. Mr. Wen therefore focused only on economic ties which have gained priority over all other things. The present bilateral trade stands at only $ 7 billion, one eighth of China’s trade volume with India. During his visit thirty four memoranda of interest were signed; 13 at the government level and 22 at the private sector level.

But all this is useless without good governance and honesty which are presently lacking in Pakistan. Besides we have to redefine our priorities and streamline our style of governance. This government is not capable to solve our problems. In the first place we should learn a lesson from China and sort out our problems with India, like China has done. Our top priority should not be Kashmir problem, which we can easily put on the backburner for the time being and focus on the improvement of our relations with India to join in the Sino-Indian relations to march forward on the path of progress. Our wars with India on Kashmir issue cost us dearly. Likewise our despicable behavior with East Pakistan and our maltreatment of our Bengali population resulted in the breakup of our country with the separation of the East wing. We must learn a lesson from our stupid mistakes and take advantage of the wisdom of our Chinese friends. We should invite Chinese experts to replace our western friends to oversee our use of Chinese assistance in the development of our economy. Otherwise it is feared that China’s generous aid will go into the pockets of corrupt elements just like US aid. Late President Bhutto was the architect of Pak China friendship after his landmark visit to Beijing in 1972 and his meetings with great leaders of China, Chairman Mao and Premier Chow Enlai. In a banquet speech Mr. Bhutto said “we have no intention of becoming a liability on China. Instead we will be a source of strength for our mutual relations. We want a relationship based on honor, dignity and self respect. If today you have to take certain burdens on our behalf we shall remember them and we shall repay them.” When he came back to Pakistan he started wearing Mao cap while addressing public meetings. The time has come for us to further strengthen our relations with China which is now in a position to help us in many different ways.

It must be emphasized that all assistance we may get from China will go waste if not utilized properly and judiciously under the supervision of Chinese experts. If not, it is likely to be squandered by corrupt elements working with an inefficient government.

China’s renewed friendship with India is the hallmark of a great nation’s dynamism in keeping its doors open for other countries in their mutual self interest. We can also forgive and forget our differences with India and renew our good relations in the best interest of both countries. As regards Kashmir problem, we had come close to its solution when former President Musharraf and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had agreed on a formula of giving full autonomy to both Indian and Pakistani regions of Kashmir with open borders, but unfortunately some hard liners sabotaged it and the issue remains unresolved. Since Pakistan itself is in a mess at this time it will be wise to leave Kashmir alone at this stage and pay attention to our basic problem of survival.

Learn from China

 

[ChinaRocks]

Further steps urged to strengthen Pakistan-China ties

A two-day seminar on ‘Pakistan-China Relations’ organised by the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISS) concluded here on Wednesday with a consensus among the speakers that bilateral ties had stood the test of time but both nations needed to take further steps that could sustain this exemplary friendship.

The concluding remarks were delivered by ISS Director General and former ambassador Tanvir Ahmad Khan, who said China had been a major factor in South Asia politics since the Great Chinese Revolution and particularly since 1963 when Pakistan and China reached their historic accord on boundary delimitation.

Earlier, in the day, the third and the last session of the conference was held with Dr. Saeed Shafqat, Centre for Public Policy and Governance, FC College University, in the chair. The first speaker in this session was former ambassador Khalid Mahmood who spoke on ‘Pakistan-China Strategic Cooperation’.

He said the Sino-Pakistan relationship was marked by deep mutual trust, confidence and understanding rooted in their strict adherence to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the UN Charter.

He, however, noted that the growing ties between the US and India had introduced a destabilising element into the regional strategic milieu which was having its impact upon Pakistan-China relations as well.

He also identified several areas where the two neighbours needed to give attention to if they were to further solidify their mutual relations.

The next to speak was ISS’s Fazl-ur-Rehman who gave ‘An Assessment of Pakistan-China Bilateral Trade and Investments’, which highlighted the fact that Pakistan-China economic relations had been moving upwards during the recent years.

However, he noted that there have been some concerns among the Pakistani business community vis-a-vis trade relations with China. He also identified several factors, which were impeding the growth of Pakistan-China economic ties.

From each side a presentation was made which discussed ‘Sixty Years of Pakistan-China Cultural Relations.’ From Pakistani side, Director General Academy of Letters, Dr. Abdal Bela was the speaker whereas Zhang Haiwei from Confucius Institute, NUML, spoke from the Chinese side. Both the speakers highlighted the cultural ties that exist between the two states and asked them to further strengthen these ties.

The conference that was organised in order to launch the intellectual side of the decision of the two countries to celebrate 2011 as the year of Pakistan-China friendship, was inaugurated by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Nawabzada Malik Ammad Khan.

Further steps urged to strengthen Pakistan-China ties

 

[ChinaRocks]

Pak-China relations to strengthen further: CM Sindh

KARACHI, Jan 12 (APP): Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, has said that the deep friendly ties between Pakistan and Peoples Republic of China will further strengthened with the passage of time. This he observed while speaking at a reception he hosted for the visiting Chinese youth delegation at Chief Minister House.
Syed Qaim Ali Shah welcomed the Chinese youth delegation in the metropolis and said that Karachi is one of the largest city of the world and hub of business, economic activities and centre of youth of country.
He said that former Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto used to say that Pakistan Peoples Party is party of youth and this party has struggled for welfare and development of the down-trodden.
Chief Minister Sindh said that it is commitment of present government to remove poverty from the society and provide jobs and employment to poor and needy people.
He said that in order to fulfill the commitment, the Sindh Government organized youth training programme in different trades and so far more than 70,000 youth have been imparted training in various trades.
Qaim Ali Shah further stated that the Government of Pakistan established Ministry of Youth Affairs while the Sindh Government formed the Youth Affairs Department.
He said that the government of Sindh has provided more than 40,000 jobs in various government departments, while more youth will be provided jobs in Government departments.
The Chief Minister said that the province of Sindh is basically an agriculture oriented province and there are some acute problems so far development and furtherance of agriculture sector is concerned.
He said that China has made remarkable progress in all sectors particularly the agriculture sector.
Qaim Ali Shah remarked that he had visited China accompanied by President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and signed MoUs there for cooperation and initiative for latest techniques in agriculture so as to boost up the yield and productivity of various crops.
He added that the exchange of youth delegation will be beneficial for social, cultural and economical, upliftment and will enhance the relations.
Chief Minister said that former Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was the first leader of Pakistan who visited China and laid foundations of friendship by holding meetings with leader MaoZe-dong and Premier Chou En Lai.
He stated that Shaheed Bhutto was the architect of cordial relationship between Pakistan and China and brought both countries very close.
He added that following his footsteps, President Asif Ali Zardari also visited China thus further improved the relations between both countries.
Syed Qaim Ali Shah added that with the vision and farsightedness of Asif Ali Zardari, the Prime Minister of China has recently paid visit to Pakistan, and many agreements were signed aimed at further improving the social, economical, cultural and commercial relations of both countries.
He welcomed the Chinese Youth delegation on behalf of Government and people of Sindh and said that it would encourage the relationship between youth of both countries.
Leader of the Chinese Youth delegation, Zhou Zhenmin, Deputy Secretary General All China Youth Federation, expressed thanks for warm welcome at Karachi.
He added that the delegation had also met with President Asif Ali Zardari, who encouraged and inspired the exchange of youth delegation of both countries.
He said that the friendship between both countries is higher than mountains and deeper than sea and as sweet as honey.
He appreciated the hospitality and said that such tours will further strengthen the ties between youth of both countries. He also invited the youth of Sindh to visit China.
Earlier, Sindh Minister for Youth Affairs, Faisal Sabzwari, welcomed the Chinese Youth Delegation at Karachi and termed that Karachi is the economic hub of Pakistan.
He said that China is most dependable friend and with exchange of such delegations, the relations will further be strengthened.
On the occasion, national anthems of both countries were played, while the Chief Minister Sindh presented shield of Chief Minister House to leader of delegation and also presented traditional gifts of Ajraks to all members of delegation.
The reception was attended by Speaker Sindh Assembly, Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, leader of opposition in Sindh Assembly, Jam Madad Ali, delegations of MQM, Pakistan Muslim League (Functional), National Peoples Party, Muslim League (Q), office bearers of PPP Sindh, Provincial Ministers, Advisors, Special Assistants, Members of Sindh Assembly, members of trade agencies and notables of city.

 

[DelhiDareDevil]

Well done Pakistan and China.

Lets hope China can reduce terrorism in Pakistan as well.