Sir: China has proved to be the most reliable strategic partner of Pakistan. It has helped us in building our defence capacity, apart from assisting us in achieving economic self-sustenance and cooperation in the transfer of technology. It has always helped us in our times of need and respected our sovereignty. We both share common goals and strategic interests, which make us natural allies. Our conventional defence capability is an outcome of our joint ventures. Except on a few occasions, when certain foreign funded remnants of Ziaul Haq’s misadventure in Afghanistan used our territory for subversive activities against our friendly neighbour, our relations with China have always been exemplary. China itself resolved these irritants diplomatically. China has helped us in fighting the war against terrorism. Unlike some of our friends in the Middle East who expect us to come to attention on their beck and call, irrespective of our involvement in our own war against terrorism, and openly resorting to rebuke against all diplomatic norms, if we choose to give a priority to our own national security, China has always been more considerate and helpful than any of our other allies. The friendship between the people of China and Pakistan started from the days of Mao Zedong and Chou en Lai and has grown stronger every year, irrespective of who is in power in both countries. China always appreciated our role in the days of the Cold War when we served as a bridge between them and the rest of the world. MALIK TARIQ ALI Lahore