Do you think the western world's relation with Vatican is based on interest? Don't always generalise, relations do exist which you cannot explain just by economic interest.
Perhaps! This is why I included the word "largely" in my assertion.
The entire WEST has cultural connection with the Vatican. This is similar to the dynamics between Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Islamic bloc. Now, how is this dynamic relevant between Pakistan and China? It is not.
As for China tapping other alternatives without even consulting, I think it's not even relevant here as nobody objects to it as it is normal practice. China stood by Pakistan even when there was no CPEC.
You don't get it, do you? China will not ignore its
interests for the sake of CPEC or any other initiative. Pakistan should think similarly, if it is to become an independent state.
Yes, Pakistan should remain neutral if a war breaks out between Argentina and Britain but China is not Argentina or Britain, China is Pakistan's lifeline in this hostile world which is profoundly influenced by states like isreal and india. It will be considered as a betrayal by China if Pakistan remains neutral during a conflict with Taiwan. In the short run and long run it will be devastating for Pakistan if China feels that way. India and the west has been dreaming of that day and it is clear that you are in that club too.
You know what? This is
slave-mentality talking. A state should never put all of its eggs in the same basket, if it is to prosper and become powerful. Pakistan won't ever achieve independence in true sense of the word unless it gets its act together and starts acting like one in its engagements with other states. When I assert this, I literally mean it.
During the era of Cold War, India cultivated friendly ties with the former USSR but officially adopted Non-aligned stance; message was clear that India won't be a lapdog of any superpower. Look where it is now; one of the largest economies of the world and a market worth tapping for any country. Pakistan, on the other hand, foolishly embroiled itself in a war that was not its own and the end result was terrifying; gun culture, hashish, extremism and terrorism.
You may boast that China is different but I will reiterate that this is the end-result of Pakistan distancing itself from conflicts involving China. In-fact, Pakistan brought the US and China to the negotiation table during 1960s. China won't mind if Pakistan continues to distance itself from issues like Taiwan and SCS; it shouldn't be even allowed to. If China is investing in Pakistan, it is getting something in return as well. This is not a one-sided relationship.
CPEC is not everything for us, shouldn't be. In-fact, if Pakistan wishes to extract the most out of Gwadar port, then it needs to expand its trade relations with a large number of countries in the world. CPEC should not remain China-centric only. One reason is that
if (for some reason) China is subjected to major sanctions like Russia, its trickle-down effect will eventually reach CPEC and disrupt it. Therefore, Pakistan needs to shed its lapdog tendencies, refine its foreign policy and prepare itself for any eventuality.
As far as Israel is concerned; it is another issue that can be easily addressed but the backward MOULVI TABQA won't let it happen without creating hurdles. However, this is a topic for another thread.
