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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]).
This year is the 70th Anniversary of establishing formal diplomatic relations between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the People's Republic of China. However, the history of friendship between the two nations is long and spread over centuries. Ancient Silk route was passing through parts of Pakistan, and Chinese traders were traveling to Europe through Pakistan. Around two thousand years ago, famous Chinese Monk Fa Xian and Xuan Zang, made several trips to areas, which are part of Pakistan now, and studied Buddhism. In fact, Buddhism was imported from Pakistan. Buddhism's origin was in the areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan, then traveled to India and onward to Japan, Korea, and China.
China and Pakistan not only share common borders, mountains, glaciers, rivers, and but above all, shared-destiny. Both countries are facing similar challenges and threats. Both countries are partners in peace, security, and development. Both countries share a common vision on regional and global issues. Both nations are united and enjoy complete harmony, and are on the same page on almost all issues.
We are all-weather, time-tested, and trustworthy friends. Usually, the relations are described as higher than mountains, deeper than oceans, sweeter than honey, and stronger than steel. The frequent mutual visit of both countries to each other's cement the relations and people to people contacts helps to understand each other.
The cooperation in almost all sectors, including education, Science, Technology, Innovation, Industry, Agriculture, Defense, is very robust. Specifically, the relations are strategic in nature.
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has strengthened our economic cooperation. As a matter of fact, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project and one of the planned six corridors in the most advanced stage. Pakistan is the biggest supporter and beneficiary of BRI.
The first official high-level delegation of Pakistan visited the People's Republic of China on 4 January 1950, just three months after China's liberation. However, formal diplomatic relations were established on 21 May 1951.
Every year, both countries were celebrating the Anniversary with high spit, but the Anniversary is more exciting every five years. Every 10th Anniversary is always a mega celebration, and this year, the 70th Anniversary is being marked with enthusiasm and full spirit of "Iron Brotherhood."
Today in a ceremony both, the Chinese Foreign minister Mr. Wang Yi and Pakistani Foreign Minister Mr. Shah Mehmood Qureishi, launched the formal celebrations, which will be carried on, in series of events during the rest of the whole year.
Under the patronage of two countries' leadership, many activities are being organized at all levels, and people-to-people contacts, creating an environment of brotherhood. Some of the activities may lead to promote understanding and harmony, while others may lead to business and trade opportunities for each other.
Both governments are facilitating the youth of two countries to carry on our traditional friendship to further heights. Scholars and intellectuals of both sides are dedicated to transferring our elders' inherited friendship to our younger generations.
Almost 30,000 Pakistani students are studying in China at various programs like Undergraduate, Master Program, Ph.D., and Post.Doc levels, in virtually all significant specializations. While they are getting professional education in their major subjects, they are also learning Chinese language, culture, traditions, history, politics, and governance systems naturally. Equipped with in-depth China-knowledge and professional education, they play a significant role after returning to Pakistan to strengthen the existing cordial relations between the two nations.
Media is playing a positive role in bringing two nations further close. Although our enemies are trying to make fractures among us through fake news, misinformation, and hybrid war, but both sides are mature enough to judge the conspiracies planted by enemies.
The long live Pakistan-China friendship only grows further.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
