70 years of everlasting Pak-China friendship

Seventy years of everlasting and unprecedented bilateral friendship and strong diplomatic relations are all weather strategic cooperative partnership based on mutual trust, respect and goodwill between Pakistan and China, which began on May 21, 1951, during this long period, many global political, diplomatic and economic inequalities and ups and downs have been created by many powers.

Terrorism was imposed in conspiracies to weaken the established economy. The United States, India, and Israel have waged terrible diplomatic, political, and economic wars, but our tried and trusted neighbor, China, has never allowed Pakistan to be isolated. Strengthened Pakistan financially, economically and defensively and by pulling the oscillating ship out of the whirlpool at every stage and putting it ashore, proved that Greater China is truly the most trusted tested and in true friendship, real and strong relationship. Is a worthy friend and a proud neighbor. Undoubtedly, Pakistan-China diplomatic friendship is higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the sea.

Many important defence strengthening projects and CPEC’ s greatest multi-mega flagship project of China’s Belt and Road initiative ( BRI) are practical proof of the same true friendship and full confidence that will not only strengthen Pakistan’s economic, communications, defence, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, security socio- economic development but also its impact in all walks of life.

Will sigh and many neighboring countries will also benefit. That is why the United States, India and Israel are having stomach cramps. As this project moves towards completion, Pak-China friendship will continue to grow at the same pace. Chairman Mao Zedong, Chuan Lai and President Xi Jinping have nurtured this friendship in such a wide and strong relationship and friendship that in every era, this relationship has grown and matured. Whether Pakistan is in economic turmoil or debt burden, the Chinese leadership has always provided practical assistance and support to Pakistan.

China has always spoken out for the right of Kashmiris to self-determination with courage and boldness and the Kashmiri people consider China as their shelter for resolving the Kashmir issue. China has always defended Pakistan’s rights at the international level. The dust that the Chinese army has inflicted on India in Ladakh in the last few months is also its own example.

There is little to be proud of in our friendship with China, a friendship of almost three decades has now turned into a strongest one. I wish Pakistan would adopt a permanent policy that would make us aware of friend and foe and keep our policy stable and sustainable. This is possible only when our country is strong and there is no political or religious conflicts. We speak up on the basis of equality. May our strategy be rooted in strong intentions and true intentions, and may the national security agencies, government and politicians, on the same page, play their role for security, unity, solidarity and national goals while building and developing the country. See the country’s economic stability and defense requirements as the first priority.

The CPEC project is the brainchild of Chinese President Xi Jinping and his diligent team, who have approved multi-billion dollars great project and are working hard to complete it. Former Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Amb. Yao Jing, current ambassador Mr. Nong Pong and the efforts of the present Spokeperson Chinese Foreign Ministry Amb. Mr. Lijian Zhao and former Pak Army Chief General (R) Raheel Sharif, current Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the political leadership of Mian Nawaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari and the Prime Minister Imran Khan are commendable.

— Dr. Sardar Muhammad Tahir Tabassum

Writer is President of Institute of Peace and Development INSPAD, Islamabad, can be reached at inspad@gmail.com