Daily Times

ISLAMABAD – China looks at economic development as a security solution for regional peace, Ambassador Yao Ying said at a two-day conference Wednesday at the Serena Hotel.

Ying stated that the lack of international charisma is because of underdevelopment of societies. Ying cites poverty as the root cause of extremism and social unrest. The possible solution China proposes is development. He discussed the Belt and Road Initiative, which provides more opportunities for regional integration and security. He stressed on multilateral and trilateral efforts that result in security cooperation, based on mutual trust. Every country has unique reasons for every conflict and the economy is key to solving peace related problems. The future of a stable and secure community is only possible if countries take responsibility and ownership, he said.

The conference supported a dialogue for regional peace and security in South Asia, with special focus on Afghanistan, India, China and Pakistan.

The keynote speakers comprised of professional scholars including Ambassador of China Yao Ying, Ambassador of Denmark Rolf Holmboe and the ambassador of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Ali Mohammad Khan, the chief guest said that Pakistan has endured the most because of the partition. He emphasized on how every religion promotes peace. In his view, the goal is to exercise patience and peace. Mr. Khan believed that if Afghans have suffered, so have Pakistanis as 50,000 to 70,000 innocent civilians lost their lives. He stated that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor would not only help Pakistan but Afghanistan as well. He hoped for better economic opportunities and education, not realizing that ‘hope’ is not a solution. It is a part of the problem. Unless words are put into practice, lag in security and regional peace in South Asia would be difficult to resolve, Khan said.