News
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Pakistan-China friendship, embracing the future
By Liu JianThe year 2011 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, and is designated as the ‘Year of China-Pakistan Friendship’. Ever since the launching ceremony held by our Embassy and Pakistan Foreign Ministry on January 1st, a lively and grand spectacle of joint celebrations have been unveiled, during which we have witnessed hundreds of activities and interactions in various fields, at every inch of land, and among all walks of life.
At this glorious juncture, I have every good reason to review the history of China-Pakistan friendship, which is indeed a time-honoured brotherhood, regardless of changes in the international situation or in each other’s domestic affairs. Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognise New China. In the 1950s and 60s, when China was suffering from Western blockade, it was Pakistan that opened an air corridor linking China to the outside world. In the early 1970s, it was Pakistan that supported China to restore its lawful seat in the UN, and served as a bridge for the normalisation of Sino-US relations. On China’s core issues such as Taiwan, Tibet, and the fight against three evils, it is Pakistan that has extended its valuable support at all times. On the other part, China has always sided with Pakistan in its struggle for national sovereignty and independence, and for economic and social development. The mega projects of Karakoram Highway (KKH), Heavy Mechanical Complex at Taxila, and Chashma nuclear plant and the Pak-China Friendship Centre, are the monuments of the ever-spiking friendship.
Over six decades of interactions and cooperation, China-Pakistan relationship, termed as ‘higher than mountains, deeper than oceans and sweeter than honey’, is an exemplary model of harmonious co-existence between countries with different social systems and cultures. In my view, there are four main factors that contribute to this unprecedented bilateral relations. First, China and Pakistan strictly abide by the five principles of peaceful co-existence, highly respect, equally treat and sincerely trust each other. Second, we always wholeheartedly help each other whenever in difficulties and forge ahead in joint hands through thick and thin. Third, China and Pakistan maintain close coordination on major international and regional issues, and in safeguarding regional peace and stability.
Today, the development of China-Pakistan relationship has gained strong momentum and achieved steady progress comprehensively, featured with strong strategic partnership, robust economic cooperation and ever-closer people to people connections. This kind of all-weather relationship is fully embodied in this year’s celebrations.
Our special bonds are highlighted by the frequent interactions between our leaders, governments, legislatures, and political parties. On May 21st, our leaders exchanged congratulatory messages on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani have paid their 7th and 4th visit to China respectively this year. Our two prime ministers also met on the sidelines of 10th meeting of Heads of Government of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Saint Petersburg. Other prominent exchanges include the visits to China by Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Wynne, Foreign Minister Khar, Information Minister Awan, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, PPP Chairman Bilawal Zardari, and Chairman PTI Imran Khan. Meanwhile, Chinese State Councillor Meng Jianzhu, Special Envoy of Chinese Government Wang Chen, and a number of minister-level delegations, all contribute to the high-level mutual trust and coordination on major issues of common concerns.
This year also witnessed sound development of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. China has been Pakistan’s second largest trade partner. The bilateral trade volume up to October stood at $8.5 billion, an increase of 23.9% over the same period of last year. China now is Pakistan’s largest trading partner, the largest exporter and fourth largest importer. China is also one of the biggest foreign investors in Pakistan, covering a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure, energy, communications and agriculture, which are closely related to people’s livelihood. Chinese government further encourages leading companies to take Pakistan as a priority destination of investment. Meanwhile, Pakistani companies also become more visible at China-Eurasia Expo and 12th Western China International Fair. This November, two countries agreed to give a five-year-extension to the Development Program on Trade and Economic Cooperation from 2012 to 2016, thus drawing up the blueprint for the future.
The practical cooperation in the strategic, economic, technological, and security fields have all scored new achievements. Joint military exercises in all services have been conducted, while the successful launching of PAKSAT-1R satellite sets yet another manifestation of strategic partnership. The opening of two branches of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in Karachi and Islamabad has opened a new chapter of financial cooperation. The launching of first Pakistan-China Joint Energy Working Group meeting is of great significance to addressing the energy crisis in the country. Two Chinese study groups were sent to help in dealing with the aftermath of Attabad Lake, and our commitment of post-disaster reconstruction has been carried forward smoothly, while the project of KKH upgrade is underway.
Our friendship has extended to the international arena, where Pakistan and China continue to extend full support to each other on major regional and global issues. China always appreciates for Pakistan’s role in fighting against terrorism, and calls for greater international recognition of its efforts and sacrifices, and supports Pakistan running for the UN Security Council’s non-permanent seat. Pakistan, too, renders its valuable support to China in safeguarding its territorial integrity and other issues of China’s core interests. Two nations work together closely to promote regional peace and stability in the new era.
The people-to-people and cultural exchanges definitely are the high points of the Friendship Year. To reach to the people has been set as our principle. Chinese Embassy alone as an example, has held several receptions and art performances that were attended by all circles of people. All Pakistani provinces have hosted commemorative receptions. Almost every school has held different kinds of activities with the same theme. The project of ‘China Pakistan River Civilization Tour’, jointly held by media organisations, hit a big success. The 100-member youth delegations of both countries have winded up mutual visits, and the Summer Camp of Confucius Institute was commenced as a routine, moreover, 500 government scholarships are offered to Pakistanis in 3 years starting from 2011, with the aim to pass on our friendship from generation to generation. In addition, to assist our brothers in fighting against floods, Chinese government has delivered 7,000 tents worth $4.7 million and donated $5 million in cash to Pakistan, and sent a 50-member medical team carrying 50 tons of relief aids. The Bring Light Tour Programme has conducted free surgeries for 500 Pakistani cataract patients in Islamabad and Multan.
Just as our Premier Wen Jiaobao said during his visit to Pakistan last December, that the friendship between China and Pakistan is deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples. It is in our blood, and has become our noble and firm conviction. The China-Pakistan friendship is our shared asset and should be cherished and continuously enriched. China is committed to joining hands with Pakistan to further enhance our mutual political trust, strengthen economic ties, expand pragmatic cooperation, and deepen traditional friendship between the peoples. Pakistan, as China’s good neighbour, close friend, trusted partner and dear brother, should be the first one to benefit from China’s process of development.
In China, we call 60-year as a Jiazi, indicates the beginning of a new circle of time. I sincerely hope and firmly believe that the China-Pakistan friendship, like a lush tree with deep roots and a rock standing firm, will carry forward with more fruitful achievements in the coming 60 years.
China-Pak dosti zindabad!(The writer is Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan)
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk