Reema Shaukat
CHINA has one of largest economies of world which has developed at an extraordinary pace over the decades and competes with one of super power USA’s economic build up. China completed 70 years of its creation as People’s Republic of China, (PRC) after the Communist Party of China defeated the ruling Kuomintang (KMT) or National Party. On 1st of October, 2019 celebrations were made in an auspicious way. The present timeline of modern China is quite interesting as it suggests 1949 as the founding of PRC, the 1966-1976 as the decade of Cultural Revolution which brought social and political upheavals. In 1977 Deng Xiaoping (Chinese Communist leader) initiated major reforms of China’s economy while in 1989 Army crushed Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests. In 2010, China became the world’s second-largest economy whereas in 2018 President Xi Jinping was cleared to be President for life.
All weather diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan were formally established on 21 May 1951. Pakistan was the first Muslim country to recognise People’s Republic of China. In Sino Indian war of 1962, Pakistan supported China and their relations bolstered because of mutual alignment against India. Cordial relations between two states are not only termed as higher than Himalayas, deeper than oceans and sweeter than honey but both sides equally acknowledge this element of trust on each other. As responsible neighbours, both China and Pakistan always maintain well-coordinated, appropriately communicated and balanced approach on regional and international issues. Apart from matters of mutual interest Pakistan supports China on issues of Tibet, Taiwan and Xinjiang while China has always appreciated Pak role in war against terrorism other than supporting it economically and now on Kashmir conflict and present situation it is supporting Pakistan as much as it can. To fortify diplomatic relations between two States, several exchange visits of leaders and high officials on both sides take place frequently.
Recently, Pakistani premier Imran Khan visited China in order to discuss issues of regional and bilateral importance with the Chinese leadership, where he met key leadership, President and PM both, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, entrepreneurs and businessmen. In the meetings, matters of common interest particularly bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest were discussed. Chief of Army Staff Gen. Bajwa also made visit to China during this time. Presence of both political and military leadership and meetings with their counterparts has conveyed a message internationally that both countries maintain strong ties despite efforts by powers to create confusion between both. In this context, CPEC remains in limelight always where some regional or other powers try to sabotage this greater project of BRI. CPEC over the years has got big boost and second phase of it will be launched soon.
CPEC’s major phase of expansion and consolidation will be launched in coming weeks, which definitely is a magnet for foreign investment and will surely give upright push to Pakistan’s economy. PM during his visit while speaking at closing ceremony of Beijing Horticulture Expo, as chief guest said that China is a model for developing countries because of its remarkable growth. During the visit, the Pakistani leadership reaffirmed to China its commitment to One China Policy. Supporting ‘One Country, Two Systems’, Pakistan reiterated that on matter of Hong Kong, it is China’s internal matter and all countries should uphold international law and basic norms of non-interference in internal affairs of other countries. On the other hand, China has always supported Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir dispute and still says that the dispute should be resolved peacefully via UN Charter and UNSC Resolutions.
Both Chinese and Pakistani leadership during this visit reaffirmed that both sides will continue on deepening bilateral cooperation in areas of trade, investment, finance, defence, security, technology, agriculture, education, social and cultural ties. Two sides for the long term regional peace and stability have always played a pivotal role in terms of Afghanistan peace process. In this context, China-Afghanistan-Pakistan Foreign Minister’s Dialogue was held in Islamabad on the 7 September 2019 in which Chinese FM appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in promoting peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan. Both sides maintain the stance that an inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process is key to stability in Afghanistan.
Recently, Chinese President XI Jinping visited India, where he met Indian PM Modi. India was hoping of betterment of relations with China while knowing its own nexus with US and Israel and economic tussle between USA and China, it thought of having some positive development towards Indian side but President Xi criticized India. Beijing has sharply condemned India’s decision on special constitutional status of India-occupied Kashmir, saying it undermined China’s territorial sovereignty. It is pertinent to note that Beijing recently supported Islamabad in raising the issue of New Delhi’s recent actions in Kashmir at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York. Chinese leadership said it will do what it has done for years and decades. Beijing will support Pakistan in various international forums, and it will continue economic and some military assistance to Pakistan and it will berate India’s decision in regional organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Relations between China and Pakistan are based on mutual trust and confidence on each other which are getting stronger day by day and it is anticipated that in coming years both countries will continue to robust their strategic and political bond proving this connection stronger than steel.
— The writer works for Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, a think-tank based in Islamabad.
