BOTH China and Pakistan are facing multiple challenges
these days but true to their tradition of maintaining and
promoting warmth in relations, the two sides have supported each other’s causes in true sense of the word and in the process they frustrated designs of those who wanted to sow seeds of discard between the two neighbours. The reciprocity demonstrated by the two countries in strengthening cooperation in different facets of their ties in the face of external pressures has become a model of relationship.
There is no second opinion when it comes to supporting each other’s causes is concerned and this became all the more evident, among others, in recent developments pertaining to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Covid-19 and its impact on economies, happenings in Occupied Kashmir, Ladakh stand-off, conspiracies hatched by some foreign powers in Hong Kong and One China policy. The pattern of some regional and international developments is a clear reminder that these are part of the unfortunate strategy being pursued by some countries to contain China. It is ironical that while cooperative endeavours elsewhere in the world are being touted as beneficial moves for countries and regions, China is being opposed even for its plans to invest billions of dollars as per its policy of sharing benefits of progress and development. CPEC, a flagship project of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of Chinese President Xi Jinping, has already started bearing fruits for people of Pakistan as increase in electricity generation capacity under CPEC umbrella has mitigated energy woes of the country and it has now become surplus in power. Similarly, scores of infrastructure projects are not only creating employment opportunities in the length and breadth of the country but are/would contribute immensely in socio-economic development of different regions and the country. This is particularly so in the case of a number of road projects that are connecting different parts of the country which Pakistan could not do over the last seven decades due to resource constraints while projects for Gwadar would help realize dream of the country for optimal operationalization of the deep seaport, making it hub of regional trade.
Some countries are poking nose and pressurizing Pakistan on the question of entering into deeper cooperation with China under CPEC but thanks to the wise approach of Chinese leaders the project continues making progress and the two countries are now implementing its second phase that would accelerate the pace of economic development in Pakistan due to focus on modernization of Pakistan Railways, new investment in Heavy Mechanical Complex that will promote mass industrialization, establishment of a dry port at Havelian, new transmission system and setting up of special economic zones. It is pertinent to mention that at a time when economic activity is slow due to Coronavirus, it is CPEC projects that are instrumental in giving a semblance of economic activity. China has also been consistent in its support for a just solution of Kashmir dispute and solidarity with people of Occupied Kashmir in the backdrop of year-long lockdown and worst kind of atrocities by Indian troops besides attempts aimed at changing demography of the occupied territory. Indian expansionist designs and support of some countries for its mischievous stand on Ladakh is a clear indication of a conspiracy to scuttle march of China on the road to progress and prosperity. However, Chinese leadership has demonstrated not only restraint but also conveyed a firm message to India that bullying would not be acceptable. Pakistan too has consistently supported Chinese causes like Hong Kong, Taiwan and the issue of Ladakh. China has introduced new national security legislation for Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, aiming to promote their peace and stability but some countries are making undue hue and cry. In line with its ‘One China policy’, Pakistan believes Hong Kong is purely an internal issue of China and that it is important for China to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and protect the life of its citizens. Foreign Policy of China is strictly guided by principles of non-interference and mutual/multilateral cooperation and Beijing has demonstrated this successfully in its relations with other countries. The world can become a cradle of peace if other countries reciprocate peaceful and cooperative gestures of China.
