PAK - CHINA FRIENDLY RELATIONSHIP

PAK-CHINA RELATIONSHIP.

China & Pakistan relations began in 1950 when Pakistan was among the first countries to break relations with Taiwan and recognize the People’s Republic of China. Pakistan also supported China over the issue of Hong Kong and Taiwan and condemned the machinations against China in the name of Tibet. China on its part has supported Pakistan in variety of projects including Gwadar Port and some of other projects in Balochistan. China has extended full cooperation to make Pakistan self-reliant by providing know how with a view to strengthening and ensuring territorial integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan.

Pakistan has always appreciated and expressed its gratitude for the continued Chinese help for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan. Pak-China  friendship is a major source of concern for anti-Pakistan lobby. Such lobbies are trying to create fissures between China and Pakistan, but given the time tested friendship they are bound to fail. There is a perception that detractors of both countries have devious plans to create threats to Chinese security in Pakistan to stop Chinese investment. However Pakistan is determined to ensure their safety and security. Those opposed to Pak-China’s strong ties are trying to link strong. Both China and Pakistan cherish their friendship and consider their friendly relations as everlasting.

China is a indeed a peace loving country and it has neither bullied its smaller neighbors nor has it ever tried to extend hegemony over other countries. It is more interested in improving its economy rather than engaging itself in any military entanglement because it believed that economic strength can help increase military strength. That is why, it has hitherto opted to seek political and negotiated settlement of the Taiwan issue although it has left no doubt in any one’s mind that it will not hesitate to go to any extent to retrieve its territory that was separated by Chiang Kai. China’s having friendly relations with all its neighbors should not be misunderstood, as it has the capability and the resources to give adequate response to those harboring evil designs. In fact the tolerance China shows to other countries is its strength. However propagandists continue rising doubts about Pak-China all weather friendship.

Unfortunately, regional and international powers including US, Western powers, India and Japan, driven by their imperial designs to seize and grab energy (oil, gas and coal) gold and other natural resources, wish  to create a wedge between China and Pakistan. their misleading analysis and skewed reports using jargons are meant to create a sense of mistrust and misperceptions among them. A recent analysis titled China in Pakistan Relationship beneath the surface is a case point. USA and western powers being economic rivals of China are trying to create suspicions between China and Pakistan but both friendly countries continue with their planning to undertake mega economic projects like China-Pakistan economic connecting Pakistani report of Gwadar with Kashgar China construction of dams and Chinese investment in Pakistani textile, energy, banking, commerce and industry sectors and numerous other development projects.

China has indeed helped Pakistan in economic and defence spheres. Las  year the movement formally awarded the contract for expansion and operation of Gwadar Port to China which is being operated by the State run Chinese firm. China overseas Port holding Company. The fact remains that the port has the potential to give economic boost to its economy and make Pakistan as the trade corridor for Central Asian States, China and the Gulf as 50 percent trade of gas and oil is channeled through this route. Pakistan would be in a position to offer Central Asian countries the access to sea through Gwadar Port, as communications network linking Pakistan to Central Asia is in progress.

Both countries (China & Pakistan) are on one page so far as their strategic thinking and policy framework are concerned. Pak-China excellent relations are reflective of strong bonds and friendship, free of petty prejudices.