Daily Times

Pakistan and China have enjoyed friendly bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1950. Foundations for the relations between the peoples of the two countries were laid a long time ago.

China and Pakistan are ideological states and their people have varying ways of life. However, the differences in ideologies have not been a barrier to the relations between them. Unlike the former Soviet Union, China has not tried to export communism to other countries. China and Pakistan have always respected each other’s ideology.

China has long been in people’s thoughts in the region. Consider:

Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (1689-1752), the sufi poet, has mentioned China in his poetry. In Shah Jo Risalo, he says:

All signs of downpour have appeared.

The skies are covered with clouds and there are flashes of lightning all around.

Some of these clouds and lightning have left for Constantinople and some have turned towards West.

Some have moved towards China and others gone to Samarqand. Some of them are destined for Kabul and Rome. Delhi, Deccan, Girnar, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Bhuj would also receive their share of rain.

Some clouds have trekked to Umarkot for the purpose of bringing prosperity to the people of that area.

Following the people’s revolution under the dynamic leadership of Mao Ze Dong in 1949 in China, Pakistan supported the case of Peoples Republic of China in the United Nations as the representative government of Chinese people. It demanded that the Chiang Kai Shek-led government in Taiwan be replaced as a member of the United Nations.

The success of CPEC depends mostly upon political and economic stability of Pakistan. Participation of other countries having an interest in the region may support the objectives of the corridor

In its period of diplomatic isolation, China needed friends. Pakistan’s support to China brought both countries closer to each other.

After the World War II, the world was divided into two blocs i.e the capitalist and the communist. China maintained its independent status. Pakistan became a part of the US-led SEATO and CENTO. However, Pakistan assured China that the defence pacts would not affect its relations with China.

From1947 to 1963 the border between Pakistan and China remained unmarked. A border agreement was signed between the two countries in 1963.

This started a new era of Pakistan-China friendship.

Pakistan and India fought a war in 1965. Pakistan did not receive any support from the US, its ally in SEATO and CENTO. China remained a friend.

China and India fought a war in 1962. India was defeated and has probably not recovered from the shock.

Pakistan faced an uprising and secession of its eastern wing followed by a war with India. China supported Pakistan.

The United States and China did not have diplomatic relations in 1960s. Pakistan played an important role in effecting reconciliation between the two countries.

It facilitated Henry Kissinger’s visit to China in 1970. Subsequently, US president Richard Nixon visited China in 1972.

China has supported Pakistan’s position on Kashmir and Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.

India has been trying to set itself up as a regional superpower. Pakistan sees a threat to its integrity in Indian designs. China has been supportive of Pakistani efforts to maintain its independence.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has ushered in a new era of friendly relations between Pakistan and China. Pakistan needs investment in several sectors and connectivity with other countries of economic interest.

The success of CPEC depends mostly upon political and economic stability in Pakistan. Participation of other countries having an interest in the region may support the CPEC objectives.

The writer is a freelancer