PM Sharif’s visit to China and implications for bilateral relations
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s two-day visit to Beijing has gone well. Although delayed a bit, the fact that it took place immediately after the conclusion of the 20th party Congress of the Comminist Party of China is significant. Both China and Pakistan are old friends. Their relations are not dependent on internal and external situations and stand irrespective of who holds the power. Yet the contrast between the two country’s political environments could not have been sharper. In China, the CPC Congress has given President Xi Jinping a third term in office after methodical deliberations. In Pakistan, the struggle for power is on and has reached crescendo proportions.
The Chinese take a long view of history. Things will eventually settle down in Pakistan. The relations between the two are unique. They constitute a true model of people-to-people relations, and are not informed by domestic or external exigencies. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is a well known entity in China. As Chief Minister of Punjab he worked hard to implement the China Pakistan Economic Corridor.
During the past four years, CPEC suffered due to low progress occasioned by politics in Pakistan. The Prime Minister understands well the importance of CPEC and despite economic difficulties is trying hard to get programs and projects back on track. The visit was preceded by a meeting of the Joint Coordination Committee of the CPEC, which reviewed and laid out fresh perspectives. The conclusions of the JCC were approved by the leadership of the two countries. The second phase of CPEC essentially entails the completion of Gwadar port and the launching of special economic zones. The conditions obtained in Pakistan are not yet conducive to working out the nine new special economic zones. Pakistan’s priority is to be able to meet its debt servicing obligations due to current account deficits. So the issues relating to Chinese loans and the placing of credits with the State Bank of Pakistan, would have been an urgent talking point.
The joint statement issued after the visit is strong and unambiguous.
Salman Bashir
The Chinese side is sensitive to Pakistan’s requirements. The security situation in Pakistan vis a vis Chinese nationals is also precarious. The government has been trying to provide ‘fool proof’ security but incidents such as the recent killing of Chinese nationals in Karachi are indicative of troubles in this regard. The fact is that such incidents arise from Pakistan’s own issues and particularly the situation in Balochistan. The Chinese are targeted but have no direct relevance. Nevertheless, the leadership of the two countries is cognizant of this issue and both sides need to intensify cooperation at the state intelligence level.
The fact is that Pakistan is in a state of transition, moving from the turmoil in Afghanistan to a new chapter. In this regard, the leadership reiterated their determination to extend CPEC connectivity to Afghanistan. This is far sighted and holds the promise of an eventual turn around. The joint statement issued after the visit is strong and unambiguous. It contains all the elements of traditional China-Pakistan points of agreement. The Chinese reaffirmation for Pakistan’s security and independence is good, while Pakistan has reiterated its support for the core issues relating to China. The statement notes the importance of continued coordination and cooperation between the countries especially at the United Nations. It also reiterates support for CPEC and identifies new areas for Pakistan -China cooperation. President Xi has reiterated support for Pakistan in all fields. The Chinese are sensitive and take practical measures. They are not interested in just making statements. A prominent saying in China is “do more, speak less.” This is certainly true of the leadership level contacts and actions taken in pursuit of strategic cooperation projects. Pakistan has benefitted from Chinese defense related support. It is certain that such matters that do not figure in the joint statement, were also taken up during the visit.
Pakistan-China friendship and strategic cooperative partnership has seen a linear development through 70 years. It is beyond a doubt that this trajectory will continue with each succeeding generation making its own distinct contribution.
- 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
