THE visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and commitments made by the two countries during the sixth round of Strategic Dialogue confirm once again that Pakistan-China relations are set to scale new heights in times to come despite regional and global developments and the possibility of realignments among influential players.
The two countries have agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in industrial, agricultural and mining sectors and enhance people-to-people contacts and cultural cooperation besides a clear understanding to forge cooperative partnership under the banner of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It is because of the strategic dimension of the friendship and understanding reached during distinguished visitor’s all-encompassing discussions with the Pakistani leadership and deliberations of the Strategic Dialogue that during his joint news conference with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, the Chinese FM described his trip to Islamabad as ‘most important one’.
In fact, the visit itself assumed greater significance as it came immediately after Wang Yi’s visit to New Delhi and possibility of a thaw in Sino-India relations in the backdrop of depressing signals (for India) from Washington. Therefore, the most important outcome of the visit was a joint declaration by the two countries that the current geostrategic developments and realignments are not going to have any negative fallout on their “iron-clad and all-weather strategic partnership.” There was no doubt ever about the rock-solid nature of the bilateral relationship, which has proved to be a factor of security and stability in the region, but its reaffirmation is meaningful in the given situation. Credit must also be given to Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar as, under his leadership, it is for the first time that the country enjoys cordial relations with all major powers and this balancing act has elevated Pakistan’s global stature. There is also renewed warmth in Pakistan-US relations sparking rumours that the world’s only super power is trying to wean off Pakistan from its staunchest ally and great neighbour – China. However, both Wang Yi and Dar dismissed such speculations and declared that the Pakistan-China relationship stood the test of time and was not dependent on external factors. Wang was quite vocal in this regard as he declared China will continue to prioritize Pakistan in its neighbourhood diplomacy, unwaveringly supporting Pakistan in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, combating terrorism, achieving unity and stability, accelerating development and revitalization and playing a greater role in international and regional affairs.
China proved its sincerity towards Pakistan in the recent conflict with India when it stood firmly with Islamabad and the defence hardware provided by the friendly country played a crucial role in deciding the fate of the brief war. The visiting FM also explained “China’s partnership with India and Pakistan and all other countries is not targeted at any third party and it is not affected by any third party.” His remarks about the future dimension of this relationship were also important as he emphatically stated that China is willing to collaborate with Pakistan to implement the important consensus reached between leaders of two sides, prepare for high-level interactions in the second half of the year and ensure that the construction of the China-Pakistan community with a shared future remains at the forefront of regional community-building efforts. This will benefit the peoples of both nations and serve as a model for maintaining regional peace, stability, development and prosperity. Dar was also forthright in declaring that the prevailing geopolitical milieu therefore necessitates Pakistan’s closer alignment with China which is our all-weather strategic cooperative partner and brother, trusted friend and great neighbour. China’s sincere gestures were reciprocated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif when the visiting FM called on him. He reiterated Pakistan’s desire to deepen bilateral cooperation with China in trade, investment, ICT, agriculture, industrialization, mines and minerals and other key sectors. He also underscored the importance of CPEC for Pakistan’s socio-economic development and its vital role in enhancing regional connectivity, while expressing satisfaction at the steady progress of CPEC Phase-II. The visit surely has laid solid foundations for the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China when the two countries are expected to launch the second phase of the CPEC. It is time to move forward on important projects as China has already termed high quality development as a priority in its relations with Pakistan, vowing to build more corridors, support the development and operations of Gwadar port, promote KKH realignment and welcome third-party participation in ML-I project of Pakistan Railways.
