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Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan. (E-mail: [email protected]).
While celebrating the 70th Anniversary of establishing formal diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Government and People of both countries are re-affirming the commitment to strengthen further and deepen the existing friendship. Which is already higher than mountains, deeper than oceans, sweeter than honey and stronger than steel. The formal diplomatic relations were established on 21 May 1951 with the opening of Embassies in other's capitals. The first Chinese ambassador to Pakistan was Mr. Han Nianlong, and the first Pakistani Ambassador to China was General (Retired) Nawabzada Agha Mohammad Raza.
As a matter of fact, the rapidly changing geopolitics has emerged a situation where both countries need to face the challenges unitedly. The relationship grew in all dimensions during the seven decades and proved as an all-weather and time-tested friendship. Both countries stood with each other on all critical moments and supported each other on all issues, whether Chinese domestic issues like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, South China Sea, or Tibet: or Pakistan's domestic issues like Kashmir, FATA, Baluchistan, or Afghanistan. Both countries enjoy identical views on International issues like Palestine, Ukraine, Globalization and multilateralism, etc. Both nations support each other on all international platforms and vote harmoniously in the UN and other international forums.
China and Pakistan are victims of colonialism and Western coercion. Both countries have been suffering from sanctions imposed by the West in the past. Both countries are facing media war, hybrid war, and attacked by fake news and distorted information by the West. Both nations are facing similar challenges.
Under this scenario, there is a dire need to cooperate with others, strengthen collaboration, and face challenges unitedly. According to Pew Survey, Pakistan is the country that favors China the most, just after the Chinese itself. Once confronted by US officials about Beijing's uncompromising support for Pakistan, Chinese General Xiong Guangkai famously said, "Pakistan is China's Israel."
In the early days, the relationship was basically political and diplomatic in nature, but the passage of time grew to encompass Education, Culture, Science, technology, etc. The Economic and Trade relations were somewhat limited. However, with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) launch, the economic relation boosted up and gained new momentum. The bilateral relationship between the two neighboring countries is characterized by feelings of mutual trust, respect, and goodwill towards each other. There is a regular exchange of visits at the highest level between the two countries. The strategic cooperation between Pakistan and China has grown over the past several decades.
Economically, China is Pakistan's largest trading partner and a significant investor, especially in the infrastructure and energy sector. During 2018, bilateral trade between the two countries reached US$ 18 billion. With the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) official launch, the bilateral relationship has been elevated to a higher level. CPEC is a flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping's "One Road and One Belt" initiative. It aims at enhancing connectivity and improving infrastructure between Pakistan and China. Several projects are being implemented under CPEC for the enhancement of infrastructure and generation of energy. People-to-people contacts are a vital aspect of the bilateral relationship. The year 2015 was celebrated as the Year of Friendly Exchanges between Pakistan and China. Several high-profile events were organized, including seminars, exchanges of visits, and cultural events to highlight people-to-people interactions. High-Level visits are the hallmark of China-Pakistan bilateral relations; almost all of the high-level leadership of China and Pakistan have visited each other mutually.
As a matter of fact, China and Pakistan are two nations with a shared destiny. We complement each other and beneficiary of each other's strengths. In the early days, Pakistan was in a better position and looking after China as a brother. Now China has emerged as the second-largest economy and global power; it is in a much better position to help Pakistan. Pakistan is a beneficiary of the rise of China and depends on China in many week areas. China is generously helping Pakistan in building capacity, capital, and technology. China has opened its doors for Pakistani youth for higher education in Chinese Universities and producing high-quality Human Resources to face the challenges of the 21st century. China is investing in Pakistan liberally and has become the largest investor for Pakistan. Chinese entrepreneurs bring the latest technologies to Pakistan and contributing to the socio-economic development of Pakistan.
The people of Pakistan acknowledge the benefits of CPEC and are thankful to the People and the government of China for generously assisting Pakistan.
At this happy moment of celebration China-Pakistan the 70th Anniversary of diplomatic relations, I extend my sincerest congratulation to the people of both countries. I wish long lives the traditional friendship between two nations with a shared destiny.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
