Pak-China ties: a strong consonance

The ascendency of the Confucian philosophy, as exemplified by the expanding Sino-centric world order, has greatly impacted and transformed China into postmodern civilisation. Since the inception of diplomatic hands, Pakistan and China have seen moving on with the converging mutual interests and shared threat perception. In the geometry of relations, both the countries have enjoyed bolstering ties signified over the years at the breaking pace. Emerging affairs have unveiled a new paradigm of prosperity, encapsulating regional cooperation for development as strategic stability remains the cornerstone.

Having multidimensional relations continued with policy adjustments turned into the potential of shaping dynamics of our times in the wake of globalisation, encompassed by the technological, intellectual and economic prowess. Pak-China cordial relations came into the picture in the 1950s. It depicts a time tested bond structured on a sustainable period of effective engagements. The journey of engagement started with the recognition of China immediate after its independence. The relations alleviated when Pakistan served as a bridge between the US and China that led to the establishment of their official contact.

Significantly, China has supported Pakistan for the anti-terrorism campaign and in enhancing its economic capacity by addressing the common concern issues. The CPEC came forth as an opportunity to promote mutual interest and for building concentric circles of peace, stability and development in our region and beyond. The shifting geopolitical paradigm from west to the Asia Pacific is evolving strategic realignments. The emergence of China as an economic giant is unfolding a vision of cooperation and development in Eurasia. Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an exclusive concept of global partnerships for development and win-win cooperation. China is a responsible stakeholder in the international community. It is, therefore, delineating CPEC-plus vision for converting the region into a playing field for all where vulnerabilities are being overcome and converted into strength. Chinese premier’s visit to Pakistan in 2015 further took the relations to the new heights of strategic cooperation, building a closer community of shared destiny. As of today, the paradigm change is on its move. The relations between the two sides are, therefore, of utmost importance. The economic interregional initiatives in bilateral relations are focused on BRI.

The emergence of China as an economic giant is unfolding a vision of cooperation and development in Eurasia

In this regard, the development of the Gwadar port is considered as a linchpin of the CPEC project as it is the second deepest port of the world. The development of infrastructure and industrial zones is also expected to bolster the development plans of both states. In reality, China has been a source of important economic support to Pakistan as evident in Heavy Mechanical Complex Taxila, Kamra, Chashma Nuclear Plants and other projects.

Following PM Khan’s recent visit to the US, the erupting speculations in the media were that Pakistan would be weaned away from China while getting closer to the US. Such perspective overruns the fact that Pakistan shares a historic relation with China and the US respectively, and cannot upend its relations with both in a zero-sum game.

Moreover, Pakistan is also facing the challenge of hybrid warfare, waged by the enemies of peace to destabilise Pakistan to the core and CPEC to be considered a nightmare.

This mindset has to acknowledge the fact that they cannot undo the efforts being directed towards regional peace and stability by both the nations, namely China and Pakistan. Despite diplomatic and economic initiatives, Pakistan and China fare no less on account of defence ties. Pakistan has always valued its growing defence relations with China.

The writer is an independent researcher