News
Thursday, May 19, 2011
China vows to stand by Pakistan
* Chinese PM says no country has right to violate another country’s sovereignty
* Both countries agree to work together to enhance peace, security in region
By Ishrat Saleem
Beijing: China supports Pakistan’s stance and strategy to fight terror in the post-bin Laden scenario. This was intimated by Prime Minister Wen Jiabao during his talks with his Pakistani counterpart Prime Minster Yousaf Raza Gilani, who is on a four-day visit to China, which is being viewed with great anticipation in the context of the unilateral operation conducted by the US forces on Pakistan to kill Osama bin Laden, given China’s long-standing friendship with Pakistan.
Importantly, Prime Minister Wen Jiabao informed Pakistan’s prime minister that during the recently held third-round of the China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Washington, China had conveyed to the US that no country has the right to violate another country’s sovereignty, thereby making clear China’s stance on the US’s violation of Pakistan’s airspace to attack Osama bin Laden. China also asked the US to recognise the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan in the war on terror, understand its problems and address its concerns. The US authorities assured the Chinese that they acknowledged Pakistan’s contribution in the war on terror and will take necessary steps to improve the situation. Both the Pakistani and Chinese leaders agreed to work together to enhance peace and security in the region. They believe that Afghanistan is a sensitive issue and there should be no external interference there. Pakistan and China have agreed to enhance defence cooperation and China will help to build Pakistan’s capacity in all three services.
Briefing the media representatives, Prime Minister Gilani said that he had assured the Chinese prime minister of Pakistan’s support of its policy of One China and its stance on Taiwan and Tibet. Pakistan’s ambassador Masood Ali Khan, who was also present on the occasion, said China’s premier had appreciated Pakistan’s decision to accept India’s invitation to watch the semi-final cricket match at Mohali, a step that will help improve relations between the two neighbours.
After one-to-one talks, the Pakistani and Chinese prime ministers were joined by their respective delegations, including legislators, businessmen and government officials. After the talks, Pakistan and China signed three agreements: between the State Bank of Pakistan and China’s Banking Regulatory Authority; for the extension of lease of Saindak Gold and Copper Mining for another five years till 2017 (the previous 10-year lease is due to expire in 2012); and for economic and technical cooperation.
In the context of economic cooperation, the prime minister informed the media that the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) will open two branches in Pakistan. Subsequently, Pakistan might follow it up with the National Bank of Pakistan opening its branch in China. China will also send free trade purchase commissions to Pakistan to help Pakistan reduce its trade deficit. In addition to economic cooperation, China will offer scholarships to 500 Pakistani students for studies in Chinese educational institutions. Moreover, both countries will set up cultural centres in each other’s countries. China will also help treat 1,000 cataract patients from Pakistan, half of them within this year.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk
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