China-Pakistan relations and the essence of a continuing friendship
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Pakistan and China are young states with deep civilizational roots and a history of mutually enriching interactions that span several millenniums. Reviving the Silk Road has been a common yearning of the two people, with a view to resurrecting a golden age of multi-faceted cooperation.
Pakistan and China commemorated the 70th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 2021 with a pledge to redouble efforts to further solidify their relations for shared prosperity and peace.
They also paid tribute to the leaders of the two nations and numerous others who contributed to forging unbreakable bonds of mutual love and respect between the two people. A vast array of mutually beneficial assets are a vivid demonstration of this time-tested partnership.
To mark the beginning of festivities, the foreign ministers of Pakistan and China have issued comprehensive messages. Foreign Minister Qureshi has said that Pakistan and China are tied together by a common vision to change the destiny of our region... to "wean it away from conflict and ideological dogmatism to one that promoted peace and development.” He said that the imperatives of the 21st century demanded a new paradigm to deal with emerging challenges as well as opportunities.”
Foreign Minister Wang YI said that the China-Pakistan friendship has deep roots among the people…and that mutual support and assistance have no strings attached as pure acts of goodwill.
"We will continue to firmly support Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity in a world of drastic changes unseen in a century, deepening China-Pakistan cooperation is the natural option…China will work with Pakistan to cement our iron clad friendship," he said.
These are bold and sincere pledges and a reiteration of commitments coming from the leadership of the two countries at a crucial juncture in contemporary affairs. The essence of the special relations between the two countries is derived from the shared ethos of the two people, which is marked by eastern values of humility, respect, gratitude, sharing and caring as well as common aspirations for progress and peace.
This economic dimension of the partnership appeals to the people of Pakistan and has impelled a policy shift to a new ‘economic security paradigm’ that could lift over a billion people in South Asia from poverty to a life of dignity.
Salman Bashir
This was encapsulated by President Xi Jinping as China’s efforts to create a community of shared destiny-- an original contribution to exhort nations to revert to ideals and values and wholeheartedly embrace multilateral cooperation. The BRI with its colossal physical assets presents a new opportunity, a new vastly more ambitious Marshall Plan version, to bring 'inclusive' development and prosperity to the world.
This economic dimension of the partnership appeals to the people of Pakistan and has impelled a policy shift to a new ‘economic security paradigm’ that could lift over a billion people in South Asia from poverty to a life of dignity.
Pakistan together with China wants to correct the otherwise negative regional trends that are centered on geopolitics and power play. This region cannot afford a new cold war.
China’s meteoric rise and phenomenal economic growth, in a short time span, has no parallel in human history. The rising tide lifts all boats. The neighbors of China must benefit first and so should the world.
China has brought uniquely refreshing perspectives in understanding and drawing lessons from the march of human history. It has demonstrated that if development becomes a ‘strategic priority,’ any nation can attain its dreams.
Rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has been the dream of the Chinese people. By 2049, our Chinese friends will attain this goal comprehensively. The key lesson from China’s experience is that by avoiding bitter contestations and geopolitical rivalries and opting for peaceful cooperation, based on voluntary, equal footed, mutually beneficial and inclusive partnerships, nations can achieve progress and prosperity. This is the foundational thesis of the BRI. As a concept and in its working, this represents an original and most consequential contribution of China to the future of mankind.
The CPEC is a flagship project of the BRI, signed in 2013 and launched in 2015. Approximately US $25 billion have already been injected in various projects. Another $40 billion is expected to be invested in the next phase. CPEC has come to epitomize the new priorities in Pakistan-China economic cooperation and encapsulates the essence of leadership level understandings and agreements over the past few decades.
Pakistan-China friendship will grow from strength to strength and scale new heights. Its new dimensions will be revealed in the full spectrum merger and distilling of the virtues of two ancient civilizations for the benefit of mankind, as a whole.
- Salman Bashir is a Pakistani diplomat who served as Foreign Secretary of Pakistan and as High Commissioner of Pakistan to India.
Twitter: @Salman_B_PK
