The Chinese government’s top diplomat Saturday defended China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative during a visit to Pakistan, rejecting criticism that the project has saddled Pakistan with expensive debt. “CPEC has not inflicted a debt burden on Pakistan, rather when these projects get completed and enter into operation, they will unleash huge economic benefits…and will create considerable returns to the Pakistani economy,” State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a news conference along with Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. He said 47 percent of Pakistan’s debt comes from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The CPEC has helped increase economic growth by 1-2% and has contributed 70,000 jobs, he added. Wang Yi said 22 operational CPEC projects, of which nine have already been completed, have triggered investment worth $19 billion so far. He also rejected concerns about transparency of CPEC projects by saying those worries were ‘false’ as all the projects had undergone necessary approvals. Shah Mehmood Qureshi said CPEC remains the ‘top priority’ of the new government, adding that the two governments would focus on projects with socio-economic development. “We will be considering projects that have a livelihood connection … that means job creation. We spoke about initiatives in health and education, vocational training … how do we want to make our people more productive if they want to export,” he said. The visiting dignitary said that Pakistan will always be a priority for China in its foreign policy, and that Beijing wants to further strengthen its ties with Islamabad. He reiterated that Pakistan was China’s ‘iron brother’ and that the bilateral partnership served as an anchor for regional peace and stability. Defending Pakistan’s role in the war against terrorism, Wang Yi said China fully supports Pakistan’s efforts in the fight against terrorism and acknowledges its sacrifices in this regard. He also urged the international community to acknowledge Pakistan’s role in countering terrorism, which is now a global issue. Wang Yi said China desires to further strengthen strategic partnership with Pakistan, which, he said, is the need of the hour, and assured that Beijing will continue its cooperation with Islamabad in every field, including science, technology, trade, education, tourism, security and defence. “Pakistan has actively participated in resolution of issues pertaining to Afghanistan and has played a positive role vis-à-vis regional cooperation,” Wang Yi said, adding that that the country holds an important place in regional and international affairs. “We should support Pakistan strengthen its relations with all neighbouring countries,” he said. The Chinese foreign minister also conveyed the message of goodwill from the Chinese leadership to the new government in Pakistan. Qureshi reciprocated the sentiments of the Chinese dignitary and reaffirmed the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries. He underlined that regardless of political change, the bilateral relationship will remain as strong as ever. Qureshi highlighted the significance of CPEC for the socio-economic development of Pakistan and stressed that it will always remain a national priority for Pakistan. The two sides agreed that socio-economic development will be an important area under the CPEC cooperation between Pakistan and China. During the meeting, Pakistan apprised Chinese leader of talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during his recent brief visit to Islamabad. He was also briefed about economic challenges being faced by Pakistan and the efforts of the present government for the revival of the country’s economy. Qureshi said priorities of the PTI government were discussed during the talks, including eradication of poverty, creation of jobs and rooting out corruption from the country. “He was assured that security of Chinese officials in Pakistan is a major priority of the government,” he said. Qureshi said Prime Minister Imran Khan has been extended an invitation to visit China in November this year to participate in the international export-import expo as a state guest. The Chinese foreign minister also met Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and discussed matters related to regional security and bilateral cooperation. Wang Yi said the bilateral relationship is based on convergence of views and mutual respect, said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Appreciating professionalism of Pakistan Army, the top Chinese diplomat said that the world should acknowledge Pakistan’s efforts towards regional peace and stability. He appreciated the security being provided to the CPEC projects and said that China believes in an inclusive prosperity. Gen Bajwa thanked Wang Yi for his visit as well as continued Chinese support to Pakistan. He said that Pakistan has suffered from global contestation “but we are poised to claim our rightful place in the comity of nations through commitment to peace and stability both within and without.” Published in Daily Times, September 9th 2018.