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.
