General Raheel Sharif’s visit to china has opened new doors of cooperation

Published on January 30, 2015 by admin    ·(TOTAL VIEWS 1,881)      No Comments

General Raheel Sharif’s visit to china has opened new  doors of cooperation

“Pakistan’s concern is China’s concern” said Meng Jianzhu, member of Politburo — Communist Party’s second highest council has applauds without hesitation that China’s relationship with Pakistan “beyond individuals” it reveals that General Raheel Sharif’s visit to china has opened new doors of cooperation.

Dawn newspapers reported that with recent visit of COAS to china has opened new doors of cooperation. General has held high level fruitful meetings with the Chinese top leadership. The timing of this visit was very well planned on right time at right place which has effectively conveyed a fluent message to the world about the worth of cordial relations of the two countries.

Historical View on Friendship with China:-

People republic of china and Islamic democratic republic of Pakistan enjoys friendly diplomatic relations since 1950; military cooperation, a strategic alliance, political and economic co-operation are the key binding values of both nations. China is the most reliable friend of Pakistan who has always supported Pakistan’s stance on every front. Recently, both nations have decided to cooperate in further improving Pakistan’s civil nuclear power sector to enable Pakistan to overcome its energy shortage. Pakistan was among the very first countries to have diplomatic relations and recognition of the People Republic of China after the revolution of Chairman Mao Tse-tung. Since 1950 both countries have developed considerable close and supportive ties. China has provided economic, military and technical support to Pakistan and each considers the other a close strategically.

On the other hand president Obama three days romantic visit to India on 26 January 2015 has encouraged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to boast as saying in his address that President Obama has assured him of strong US efforts in support of India’s full membership of the four international export control regimes at the earliest, is an indication of US backing for NSG membership. But both leaders were badly failed in realization that China is emerging reality in the region as a major exporter of nuclear technology and would want to control NSG’s (Nuclear Suppliers Group) membership. China has said any “decision should be made on consensus”, which indicates that china will play an active role in NSG’s decision making on India’s case. Times of India was compelled to quote as ‘China red-flags India’s entry into NSG, may push for Pakistan’.

Both nations China and Pakistan are politically motivated to support each other’s stance of regional and international issues as China has always been supporting Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir while Pakistan supports China on the issues of Xinjiang, Tibet, and Taiwan. Military cooperation has deepened with joint projects producing armaments ranging from fighter jets to guided missile frigates; J-17 THUNDERJET is symbol of our long lasting friendship. Chinese cooperation with Pakistan has reached economic heights, with substantial Chinese investment in Pakistani infrastructural expansion including the Pakistani deep-water port at Gwadar. Both countries have an ongoing free trade agreements. Pakistan has served as China’s main bridge between Muslim countries. Pakistan also played an important role in bridging the communication gap between China and the West by facilitating the 1972 Nixon visit to China.

Latest survey in Pakistan revealed that Pakistanis also have the most favorable view of China after Chinies themselves. At government level Pakistan foreign policy do preserves in maintaining close relations on national levels and also on gross root level i-e people-to-people ties. At individual levels extensive efforts are being exercised at all levels interactions , the core example is the role of Rayyan Air. Its CEO Captain F.S Bhatti is playing vital role in strengthening bilateral trade relationship by operating its flights (passenger and cargo) to a non lucrative route like Islamabad-Kashghar (a city known as western gateway to China) is considered as crucial contribution.. Apart from this there are private plate forms at individual level e-g Pak-China People Friendship Association (PCPFA) a newly formed private association promoting people-to-people contacts at gross root level.

General Raheel visit has opened new doors of cooperation:-

Beyond doubt we have seen that recent visit of COAS to china has opened new doors, new horizons of new era of cooperation and left a huge impact on regional politics. General during his tour has held important meetings with the Chinese top leadership which was warmly greeted at all levels in china. It would be pertinent to mention the high response and valuable views of Chinese on the occasions:

Meng Jianzhu, member of Politburo — Communist Party’s second highest council has applauds without hesitation that China’s relationship with Pakistan “beyond individuals” adding that “Pakistan’s concern is China’s concern”.

Similarly the Chinese State Leader Yu Zhengsheng termed Pakistan as the “most reliable friend” and said just as Pakistan has always stood by China, Chinese government and its people will stand with Pakistan and help it in all respects.

And Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, said Pakistan is China’s “irreplaceable all weather

friend” and that both the countries are part of a community of shared destiny.

Indeed General Raheel thanked the Chinese leadership for its support to Pakistan and said, “The world must understand the evolving environment … greater international focus, coordination [is required] to logically conclude the fight against terrorism.”

COAS Raheel Sharif had also met his counterpart Gen Qi Jianguo at the headquarters of the

People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and held extensive talks with General Qi during which views were exchanged on full range of regional security and defense related issues. They agreed to enhance long-term defense collaboration and strengthen security and counter-terrorism cooperation and intelligence sharing and training exchanges.

Gen Fan described Pakistan and China as strategic cooperation partners and “iron brothers” Expressing solidarity with the people and the armed forces of Pakistan, Gen Fan had praised the success of Operation Zarb-i-Azb which he termed “decisive, bold and a hard blow for terrorists”.

‘Pak-Cheen Dosti Zindabad’

Written By:

Dr.Raja.M. Javaid Janjua
(Bureau Chief UNP, Islamabad)