CHINA’S Foreign Minister Wang Yi has reiterated his country’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s efforts to combat all forms of terrorism and expressed confidence in the Pakistani military’s continued role in ensuring safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions across Pakistan.
The reaffirmation came during a high-level meeting between Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan and Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for For-eign Affairs, held in Beijing on Thursday. Wang emphasized that Pakistan remains a diplomatic priority for China. He affirmed China’s readiness to work closely with Pakistan to implement the strategic consensus reached by the leadership of both countries, deepen bilateral cooperation and jointly promote peace and stability in the region.
The remarks of the Chinese leader are not verbose but reflect the overall policy and attitude of the great country towards Pakistan as it was in the forefront in extending much-needed economic, military and diplomatic support throughout the history of bilateral relations. In fact, the visit of the Army Chief to China comes in the backdrop of recent conflict between Pakistan and India when China put its full weight behind Pakistan. Apart from unflinching support expressed by the top leadership of China for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, it is known to all that the decades-long defence cooperation between the two neighbours played a decisive role in realization of these cherished objectives. It was due to timely and deft use of Chinese fighter aircraft and missiles by Pakistan defence forces that brought the enemy to its knees. The role that the Chinese defence cooperation played in safeguarding Pakistan’s security makes it all the more important to strengthen and diversify this collaboration as it ensures regional peace and stability, which is crucial for achieving the goals of economic progress that the two countries are keen to pursue as also evident from the epoch-making initiative of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It is, therefore, hoped that the visit of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir will help give new dimensions to the defence ties between the two countries. The visit is also important as Pakistan is successfully maintaining best of relations with all the three major powers – the United States, China and Russian Federation. However, some circles are trying to create an impression that the United States was cozying up to Pakistan to wean it away from China. History as well as regional and global geo-strategic developments and moves confirm that China-Pakistan friendship was a factor of regional stability and serves mutual interests of the two countries well, therefore, it is but natural for their leadership to continue exploring ways and means to consolidate their multi-dimensional cooperation. As for the menace of terrorism, Pakistan has intensified its campaign to root out terrorism in its all manifestations and Chinese support can surely help achieve desired targets. China definitely has a stake in the issue as its nationals working on developmental projects have repeatedly been targeted by terrorist outfits backed by Kabul and New Delhi. It was in this perspective that Field Marshal Asim Munir reiterated the Pakistani military’s firm commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Chinese nationals and enterprises in Pakistan. He also emphasized Pakistan’s resolve to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation with China as part of their shared vision for regional peace and prosperity. It may also be pointed out that some visible and invisible hands are creating obstacles in the way of meaningful progression of economic collaboration and we hope Pakistan’s civil and military leadership will firm up strategy to counter such conspiracies. Reports indicate that the Chinese side was keen to help revolutionize Pakistan’s promising agriculture sector but the desired progress is stalled because of lackluster response from the relevant ministries and departments of the federal and provincial governments. This issue needs to be resolved on priority basis by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as it can kick-start Chinese investment and introduction of latest technologies to tap the true potential of our agriculture sector. It is rightly pointed out by analysts that China is seeking diversified food sources and Pakistan, with its fertile land and agri-base, has potential to meet part of that demand.
