Daily Times

The iron bond between Islamabad and Beijing gained more strength when the China Pakistan Economic Corridor was initiated. Several high profile delegations from the Peoples Republic of China have paid a visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The visitors have included the Chinese president and the Chinese premier. Recently, Vice President Wang Qishan visited Pakistan. The was scheduled from May 26 to May 28.

During the course of his visit, the vice president met Prime Minister Imran Khan. The two leaders shared their views on various areas of cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing, and how to further strengthen the bond between the two countries. Later, Mr Wang met the president of Pakistan and was awarded the highest civil award of Pakistan, Nishan-i-Pakistan. The award was given in recognition of the commendable role he has played in promoting Pakistan-China relations. Mr Wang also had a meeting with the army chief.

Prior to the visit, the Foreign Office released a statement saying the visit was in continuation of the high-level visits of Pakistani leaders to China in 2018, and later of the 2nd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing in April 2019.

It has now been 68 years since diplomatic ties were established between Pakistan and China. Despite the ever-changing global dynamics, the two countries haev stood by each other and supported each other’s positions.

Every act counts. From the president of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi, honouring the vice president of China, Wang Qishan, with the highest civil award, Nishan-e-Pakistan, to the inauguration of four mega projects and signing of five MOUs, there was evidence that the deeply rooted bond between the two countries was an all-weathers phenomenon. It is not only Pakistan that holds great feelings of affection towards China; it is also the same on the other side.

Mr Wang’s visit to Pakistan, once again, strengthened the relations between Pakistan and China

The visit by the Chinese vice president served its purpose. Since the moment Prime Minister Imran Khan walked into the power corridors in Islamabad, there had been speculations that China was not comfortable with the new government, and that there weee some irritants that were causing hindrance in the progress of CPEC, thus affecting the bond that the two countries share. Prime Minister Khan has visited China twice since assuming office. One visit was in 2018, and the other was for the second forum of the Belt and Road Initiative held in Beijing. The current visit of Vice President Wang Qishan took care of the unfounded speculation.

Another important aspect of Wang’s visit is that it has sent a strong message to Washington. The United States is poised for a full-scale trade war with China. The visit sent a signal to the US that China is strong, and no negative action can restrain its policy of global prosperity through economics. And that China will not be pressurised by such acts of the United States. If the US is willing and determined to wage an economic war, China is also prepared.

Mr Wang’s visit to Pakistan, once again, strengthened relations between Pakistan and China. The visit also proved a vitality booster for the economic cooperation between the two countries. Such high profile visits have always been fruitful in conveying the message to international community that the iron bond is truly “deeper than the seas and higher than the Himalayas.”

The writer is the Founder & Executive Director of Islamabad Institute of Conflict Resolution (IICR)