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As ties with US sour, Islamabad turns to Beijing
Foreign secretary to visit China to seek greater cooperation.
Foreign secretary to visit China to seek greater cooperation.
ISLAMABAD:
As ties between Washington and Islamabad reach one of their lowest points in over a decade, Pakistan’s top diplomat is on a trip to Beijing from Thursday (today) to shore up cooperation and support from one of the country’s oldest allies.
Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir is visiting China for discussions with the Chinese leadership on bilateral, regional and international issues on April 28 and 29, said a Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
“The foreign secretary will hold consultations with Chinese Executive Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun,” said Tehmina Janjua in a statement issued in Islamabad on Wednesday. The visit is in the context of the established Pakistan-China strategic dialogue mechanism between the two foreign ministries.
But official sources confirmed that the foreign secretary’s visit to China was prompted by the recent rise in tensions between Pakistan and the United States due to a series of events, including the Raymond Davis affair and US a drone strike that killed dozens of civilians in Pakistan’s tribal districts.
“Under these circumstances, the foreign secretary’s visit to China has assumed greater significance,” said one foreign office official who wished to remain anonymous. “We have excellent relations with China but the time has come to take the ties to the next level where we should have less reliance on the Americans.”
Bashir’s visit to Beijing comes days after he dashed to Washington in an effort to overcome differences that have the potential to unravel ties between Pakistan and the United States and consequently impeding progress in Afghanistan.
Sources say Salman Bashir is strong advocate of seeking realignments, and has presented a detailed analysis to the government regarding a reduction in dependence on the US by reaching out to the Chinese.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 28th, 2011.
Reader Comments (94)
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Yess! We want CHINA instead of “AMRICA”!
Two Thumbs up for the Pak-China Friendship :)Recommend
Why Pakistan needs to manage it international relation in “either” “or” mode. It can have good relation with both. But it will be possible only when national interest is guiding factor. In case of Pakistan national interest is secondry and protecting own power and position in the country is more important. Be it civilian leader, army or any other agency. Decision making authority has abidicated their own responsibility and has handed over this responsibility to USA, Saudi Arabia and China.
We have seen how rulral of Pakistan bows their head in front of King of SA. How BB return plan is finalised in USA and Gwader port instead of constructed as international port with the technical and financial assisstance of international agencies were handed over to china for it ‘suse. Thus depriving of Pakistan of one more international Port.
All these acts, encourage the outside world to interfare in the internal affairs of the country, they try to fulfil their own agenda and interset by using the resources of Pakistan.
Hence, I am of firm view that at least for sime 20 or thirty years Pakistan should only concentrate on economic developement, it should refrain from military alliance and overt and covert military activity in any other country and within the country itself.
It should persue and all inclusive domestic and international policy and get the best from all the sources for it’s economic, social and educational developement.Recommend
This is a good signe ,better late then never .It should have been done much earlier .As Pakistan was the first country to acknowledge and accept the importance of China back in 50 .Hope the Pakistan leadership and the Armed forces understand the importance of China and history has proven China to be a time tested and all weather friend .Long Live Pak Chin Dosti .This frindship can take Pakistan to progress -prosperity and development .Recommend
“The foreign secretary will hold consultations with Chinese Executive Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun”
Cunning Chinese very well know how treat countries based on their caliber.
Chinese always stress important for their country whether it is a bad, good or all weather friend, if anything comes to them which will compromise their self interest they will happily show their ‘BACK’.Recommend
China can give us some money and use our ‘strategic assets’ against Taiwan!
Only US is ready to develop security based relations with Pakistan. Army and strategic assets is all we have to offer. But China will only demand trade.Recommend
Once again PAK is doing knee jerk reaction. While there is nothing wrong with having strong ties with China, when it comes at the expense of US that also includes her western allies, she already lost both China and US.
PAK cannot push aside US and think that she can have a good relation with UK or other EU members, and expect $500 million education aid flow freely from London.
In case if PAK is not noticing, neither China nor any other nations said a word on drone business. China may be PAK military assistance friend, but she is never going to be her strategic friend.
Neither China nor India, nor Iran wants a messy neighborhood, and same goes for caspian neighbors and Russia. PAK is on her own and she made a terrible move.
When news on PAK PM asking Karzai to side step US in favor of China came about, I asked who will blink first-China, Afghanistan or PAK. PAK blinked.
Arms sale does not mean strategic friendship. Neither China nor US is going to sacrifice their relationship for PAK.
Sorry to be blunt, but that is the truth.
A nation cannot have strategic relationship at the expense of other, especially PAK.Recommend
Would like to see how much of alms China will give to PakRecommend
good moveRecommend
China is Pakistan time tested friend and has always stood by it in thick n thin. Pakistan can turn out to be a very stable country provided we get a honest leadership which has the interest of this country to its heart.
This present leadership can only bring doom to this country.Recommend
But how much aid is China prepared to offer?
China stands with Pakistan through “thick and thin” but they lay down the words thickly and the money very thinly. Recommend
Let’s be careful in dealing with China so that we do not pass limits in friendship – remember if Chinese replace Americans, they will be our worst enemy as they do not enjoy any kind of values – all that is matter to them is money and security – they have even given up their ideology and keep changing the socialism with a blend of capitalism – as they only give importance to money.Recommend
Yes..china is undoubtbly good friend of pak.But this is due to “Enemy’s enemy is friend.”.This is just an oppurtunistic approach.Now China will ring a bell named Pak.USA has been ringing it for a long time.Some loosers like USSR are still apprehensive of the fact that how well the bell can be rang.:)Recommend
So what I understand from comments here is Pakistan cannot survive on its own. It needs friendship with a stronger nation to define it’s stability and strength. First it was USA , now it is China. Cant Pakistan instead try to be strong itself and not need any alliance with stronger nations?Recommend
Good turn,,,May Allah help us and unite us all Muslims,, and give us hidayat in a right path…Recommend
There is nothing wrong in PAK having strong ties with China. However, when it comes at the expense of US that also indirectly includes her western allies, PAK already lost both China and US.
PAK cannot push aside US and think that she can have a good relation with UK or other EU members.
Neither China nor India, nor Iran wants a messy neighborhood, and same goes for caspian neighbors and Russia.
The world wants a solution to Afghanistan region and PAK is in the middle of it.
Arms sale does not mean strategic friendship. Neither China nor US is going to sacrifice their relationship for PAK. If PAK thinks that China will entertain PAK overture, she is again miscalculating in her failed foreign policy.
PAK is on her own and she made a terrible move.
A nation cannot have strategic relationship at the expense of other, especially PAK.Recommend
Who pays, will get to lay the begum (called pakistan). Now time to change to a richer customer! Jordan paid well to kill palestinians (& zia did the killing). Saudis paid to attack mecca to crush the rebellion. Bahrain pays to kill revolting bahrainis. US & west paid to attack soviets. & now, the chineese will pay to……….. But the begum is ready Recommend
“Dosti” is only possible among equals. When one nation begs for money, it will always be a “ghulam”. Even the African nations show more ‘ghairat’ than Pakistan. This article is embarrassing to read. Recommend
Now we see China slowing down and eventually living on the brink of extinction, Then we start looking for someone else to feed us. Ashamed at being called bhikaris all over the world.Recommend
Yay. Time to turn to someone else to help rid us of the issues that plague us. It would be a nice change indeed if we tried to stand up on our own feet for a change and try to fix the mess this country is in instead of having to rely on others…Recommend
@Naveed Javed: So you want China to be your Master and not America. Great!!!Recommend
@vasan:
Unlike the west China has actually invested in many projects in the country, be it roads telecom, energy etc. Much better to have trade then Aid!!Recommend
@Pragmatist:
As I said to Vasan China has actually invested in many projects in the country, be it roads telecom, energy etc. Much better to have trade then Aid!!Recommend
pakistan will buy cheap goods from china!
china has nothing to give to pak!!
they have not even invested in any industry in pakistan for last 64 years!!
So called as Pakistan most trusted friendRecommend
Again, a strategic blunder. First and foremost we need to clean our own house. An independent soverign nation governed by respectable and honest representatives of the free people will be respected by US or EU or China or whoever the heck. No one respects slave nations be they be Liberia or Phillipines or Jordan or Pakistan. And absolutely no one, including our brothers the Saudis & Emaratis, respect a nation governed by the corrupt or leaders with a begging bowl in their hands. So, forget Beijing, head back to home and start from there and build the Pakistan Jinnah gave you. Recommend
Remember “Unity, Faith, & Discipline????????” Start from there.
“Khudi Ko Kar Buland Itna Ke Har Taqdeer Se Pehle
Khuda Bande Se Yeh Pooche Bata Teri Raza Kya Hai”
Not “PM Amrike Se Yeh Pooche Bata Teri Raza Kya Hai.”
You have all the resoures of the world. Use them.
Remember “Unity, Faith, & Discipline????????” Start from there. Recommend
China is known to be the most selfish country in the whole world, who will use Pakistan but not give any help at times of her need. Recommend
@John:
This is a typical Pakistani Foreign Policy to knee jerk, every time some one catches them up to some mischief!!! They run to the opposition in hope to please them.
I hope that if they realise that the chinese will not be as tolerant as USA, in event they decide to mess around with them!!
So one can assume that EU and UK aid will be frozan out too!!!! Good news for me ! As at least my Govt won’t waste that £500 million Education Aid, hence bit more for needy causes at home!
Pakistan is out of its depth in trying to please the chinese or understanding them. This will be disaster for many years for them in terms of trade and aid from western nations!!
The chinese do not really need anything from Pakistan in terms of Trade, which can be classed as significant.Recommend
US Proved yet again that they cannot be trusted at any level. Since the begining of War on Terror, USA is working agaist Pakista’s Interest. Their planted CIA-Talibans are playing havoc in Pakistan. Pakistan Puppet Party has destroyed Pakistan using his Interior Minister.Recommend
Pakistan reserves the right to chose its friend. Tilt to Beijing may not be a bad idea . Recommend
Has anyone wondered if China is such a good friend (and has 2,000 Billion dollars in forex reserves) – why we have to beg IMF for US $5 BILLION?Recommend
International norms and ties are always based on self inteest of a nation. Ironically, our foreign policy – like defense policy – is being driven by the military think tank. I wonder these think tanks – except for attending military courses / training visits that are more a joy trip – have ever tasted the Chinese friedship.
Pakistan must shape mutual realations with its strategic partners beyond submarines, JF17 thunders, tanks and missile technology – all these have braught no good to the lives of a common Pakistan – for which China is supposedly supporting us.
Have our military leaders and foreign policy makers known as to what China is contributing in the socio ecnomic development of our society.
Those who have experience of so called Chinses friedship in the form of a few projects know that Chinese seldom focus at the capacity building of host nation.
An influx of traines from China follows any Chinses investment, these project are ethical distaster as Chinese investor are ready to pay every sort of bribe to seek contracts – most of these are ultimately ecological disasters, ecnomic m,elt down of local industry. Chinses are no body’s friend, if we recall, at Bombay attacks we got a bash from China and were left isolated. Chinses are fooling us, looting our resources and we are lauding their freidship.
A careful stastics shows that Chinses investmonts / projects are seldom compliant to ISO / OHSAS standards.
Be advised – Chinese are best friends only to themselves and so should we. Recommend
We have excellent relations with China but the time has come to take the ties to the next level where we should have less reliance on the America
Why you people want to be reliance on America or China. Why are u not able to stand on your own feet, shun this RELIANCE mentality, kill extremism, it will automatically solve the problem of terrorism, We Indian know’s china very well for their reliability, once india stop supporting Tibetian cause, they will abondon pakistan and will give importance to India to earn more from india.Recommend
china is no body’s friend, they are their own friends as what most nations should be. But US is certainly a back stabber. That said, we cannot leave US at a knee jerk reaction, we have been their slaves for nearly 60 years and the liberation could only happen in a reasonable time frame with extreme focus on economy and not army, why do we Pakistanis have to fight every body’s war. Recommend
Why pakistan need to depend on any country.Dependence on either US or China doesn’t comes for free.Both US and China will exploit pakistan and share its land among themselves killing people of pakistan(the converts).US is in Pakistan for its own interest not to help pakistan and same is the case with China who is entering pakistan for its own interest(11000 man Chinese force in stationed in POK) to contain India which China thinks its many competitor or enemy.Pakistan must not fear from India and must have normal ties with India as other small countries like Bhutan,Nepal,BD and Srilanka have with India ,this will help reduce defence burden and suplus for development.Pakistan must stop redicalization of its populace and terrorism and must concentrate on development and well being of its people.Recommend
India is the least trust worthy Country and the biggext enemy of Pakistan. It has proved it so far. So, anyone would be better than India. We must completely closed our eastern borders , integrate our economic interests of our Western neighbors and Central Asian States for atleast ten nextyears. We must then assess what’s the situation. But for now, we must grant India the Enemy state Status. China is much better a friend.Recommend
@Srinath:
“…Pakistan reserves the right to chose its friend.”
The cornucopia to chose from is just ONE! No chance of any struggle here!Recommend
@Hiran:
“…But US is certainly a back stabber.”
As a master back stabber, China takes the cake. Ask Indians what it felt like when the Chinese dagger plunged into Nehru’s back even as he was chanting ‘Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai”!Recommend
Nonsense – Pakistan has already an ally of China and has tried everything in it’s power to make that relationship as strong as possible – this is classic Pakistan political smoke.Recommend
thank God: our military establishment has realised that U.S.A. is not our friend. we have to depend on china to some extent and ensures our sovereignty.Recommend
Why do w go for USA and its aid. If we cut all aid ties with USA, the effect on pakistan economy will only be 0.603%. All of us knw hw USA is planning anti ISI war in the media and planting seeds everywhere pf hate against the country. China has always been a good friend pn a give something take something policy. India is by any means unreliable and e should take special care of our eastern as well as western walls. Recommend
finally !! What all Pakistan wants.Recommend
I wish the Indian Newspapers and websites allow as much anti-India comments, as ET does here in Pakistan!
The Vasans’ and Manojs and Johns …. see the power of Pakisani tolerance, you and your American funded Express Tribune are able to say whatever you want to say against Pakistan. But I routinely have my comments flagged and moved off Indian websites, within minutes!!
Are the authorities watching? Recommend
@vasan: We have never ever seen a US AID cheque: It apparently stays in Washington DC. WE HAVE SEEN CHINESE AID. (WE THE PEOPLE REST OUR CASE)Recommend
Hmm.. You better ask Indians about the taste of Hakka noodles… China’s only interest in pakistan is warm sea port at Gawadar and Karakoram highway. They want alternate supply root for their market. Pakistani army already gave part of kashmir land to China. But that’s very old story. One question why your most trusted friend has not given you the small amount of loan say $11billion? Chinese government is buying huge stakes in US why are they so reluctant to help pakistan? Every small leader from pakistan visits china. I will not talk about your millitary as they are above all citizens of pakistan. But do civilian leaders understand chinese diplomacy? keep dreaming, there is nothing wrong in it. When they say something we realy try to understand the actual meaning. yes it’s always chinese checkers against indian chess. In last 5 years india has learnt quickly but we still have to learn alot from chinese. It’s realy interesting civillisation on our northen border always amuses me. Thanks. Recommend
@ba ha:
Yeah, we know you take AID even from Afghanistan !!!Recommend
pakistan has right to enhance relations with any country in the world and it is necessary to make diplomatic,strategic and trade ties around the world.and world is doing so then why pakistan should limit his relation to only one country.it is a fact that no country can survive without having relations with other countries in this context i think pakistan is doing good job.hopefully ties with us will also pervail.Recommend
Lao China!!
Pak Cheen dosti ZINDABADRecommend
Gen Kiyani :
“Who pays, will get to lay the begum (called pakistan). Now time to change to a richer customer! Jordan paid well to kill palestinians (& zia did the killing). Saudis paid to attack mecca to crush the rebellion. Bahrain pays to kill revolting bahrainis. US & west paid to attack soviets. & now, the chineese will pay to……….. But the begum is readystrong text”
While you have spoken the truth, I’m not sure how Pakistanis will react to your comments.Recommend
@Manoj:
What about selling farm land to Saudi. They grow food in Pakistan to feed Saudi’s while Pakistani’s go hungry.Recommend
@Masood Ganja:
How many times India has attacked Pakistan or started a war with Pakistan? None. Can you say the same? No.
Next.Recommend
China never disturbed Pakistan by sending their intelligence. They never killed a Pakistani nor a Pakistani soldier. NATO and US are here for their own reasons and will not leave without acheiving their target that is destroying Pakistan. Thier agents need to be kicked out of Pakistan very soon before they play dirty games.Recommend
pakistan is escaping from one vulture and running towards another vulture to be eaten.china is devloping infrasture and ports ie gwadar only to reach central asian and middle eastern market for its greater intrest of trade.they have not an iota of sympathy for the poor pakistani.and i cant remember any incident how china has supported pakistan directly.Recommend
Pakistan is already getting max from China, there is nothing more to be achieved by “turning to” China. There will be a lot achieved however if Pakistan can drop its failed policy of supporting Taliban militants, and keep getting max from China and America.Recommend
@Masood Ganja: This would be your first great idea and completely beneficial to India. Yes please close the eastern border, let us create a wall bigger than great wall of china. We Indians can finally have some peace of mind. And make sure Kashmir is on east side of the wall, baaki sab khariyat :)Recommend
@Aamir: my naive brother. Until 9/11 USA never killed any Pakistani. Until 9/11 USA was Pakistan’s best ally. Until 9/11 Pakistan always praised USA and vice versa. Now you think China is your best friend. Let there be a terrorist attack in China by someone whose roots trace back to Pakistan. The Dragon will literally roast your seat. It won’t be as merciful or considerate as USA. USA is trying to cleanup Pakistan’s mess trying best not to embarrass Pakistan. China would not even wink once before taking military action against Pakistan. And before you become defensive and start attacking back, read about the south western muslim community in China, google up all the articles on them, and you will see what I stated above. Pakistan is being so happy about being best ally of a country who does not even believe in human rights. I cordially wish you luck. :)Recommend
@hasan tahir: yet one more Pakistani who believes Pakistan is nothing on its own, it will always lean over and be dependent on a powerful country. This is a new low for Pakistan, feel sorry for it’s citizen :)Recommend
I am getting my Popcorn ready – Isamists Versus Communists, Muslims who prey five times a day VERSUS Godless Communists. wait for couple of bomb blasts in xinjing province all the talibunnies and non-state actors like ISI will have chinese bullet in their head. China will clean up pakistan in a minute, no collateral damage, no human rights. Welcome to new North Korea. Kayani will be our new dear leader.
Let the games begin !!!Recommend
India is a major factor in the present state of relationship between China and Pakistan. When China starts to view India differently, huge surprise awaits Pakistan. Good luck to you anyway. Recommend
Regional alliances are always better then non-regional ones. Pak-China-India block should be the end goal. This is the only way Pakistan can break free from American and Saudi influence.Recommend
Learn from the past. We should be open to the world in exploring our resources , and have special contacts with China and Russia.Recommend
Ultimately Pakistan will realize that it is India which can be its best friend in the world. Recommend
Who helps Pakistan in terms of crisis – in both monetary and diplomatic circles?.. Is it America or China??.. What was China’s monetary contribution vis-a-vis US’s contribution when Pakistan was faced with a crisis and the whole country was reeling under the floods?.. Who pushes the buttons in the UN to ensure Pakistan gets aid?.. is it China or the US??..
Where was China in the Indo-Pak war of 1971.. Did China send its fleet or even express support?.. It was the US who sent the USS warship to the Bay of Bengal…
The list goes on and on and on………… Its a typical case of taking the benefactor for granted … Its a classic case of the farmer killing the goose who laid golden eggs…Recommend
@Nurmomad:
Perhaps ! Have you considered or care to read the comments?? Perhaps they actually do make sense and are not contained with illusion or self denials and sensations that most other Pakistani Publications tend to publish or acting as mouth piece of their patron’s cause!!!
Rest assure if there is any publication worth reading from Pakistan, for anyone sitting in other parts of the world, its this one only!! Keep it up ET.
But you guys need to have some kind of policy in regards to your criteria for Mods!! As they seem to be rule on to themselves!!Recommend
whats up with all these Indians? And why is India so against economic Aid, isn’t India the country which has more poor people than the entire continent of Africa, with a poverty rate of 43%. Pakistan should definitely route some of the Aid money towards India, they truly deserve it.Recommend
China is the only friend that supports and stands by Pakistan during the hardest of times be it wars or natural calamities. From sports stadiums to high ways. From air ports to sea ports .From naval ships to jet fighters what has china not given to us??
Long live china long live Pak china friend shpRecommend
@Naveed Javed:
Nobody is a friend if you are not your friend. Recommend
we have already seen the collaboration in form of world’s best fighter JF 17 Thunder made by world’s best Pakistani scientistsRecommend
I think it is time Islamabad turns to New Delhi with some good intention. Let me say no other country can help Pak except India and Pakistanis itself. Rest all the countries will exploit you and go. You have so many examples from the past.
Just a piece of suggestion…instill some confidence in the minds of Indians and that will be the time when you really arrive in the worldRecommend
@Naveed Javed:
How many years do you reckon before China shows another face?Recommend
@Rizwan:
“should have been done earlier”
– Wasn’t it done? It is just that China hasn’t been forthcoming with funds like US. China has helped with infrastructure projects as long as it gets something out and it has helped with tough postruing on Kashmir and in transferring technology. But the crucial thing is funds which US and IMF are not willing to be as libreal going forward. So the dash to China and the talk of realignment. Pakistanis really get excited by all this posturing of Pakis politicians.Recommend
@Nurmomad:
Tribune is the only newspaper that is objective and allows comments of Indians. No other Paksitani newssite does what Tribine does. That is why it is popular also. The fun is in reading both the news article as well as the mayraid views. There is nothing like Tribune.Recommend
@Abhay:
I remember that India was shouting when the Chinese Army can near the Kashmir borders to protect Pakistan while our Army was helping with the floods.
The friendship of China and Pakistan has angles more than one. When Kargil was going get ugly, Chinese equipment was making its way down the Kemari seaport. Furthermore, Chinese Army was on stand-by, in case India attack East Pakistan during the war of 1971.Recommend
@James Bond:
It’s over three trillion. You are rather dated.Recommend
@Babar:
“…Pak-China-India block should be the end goal.”
Somehow one of those is a misfit in that combination although all of them are incompatible with each other. Guess which? The one which doesn’t belong to that league and is always gatecrashing in all the wrong places. Pakistan was a member of Baghdad Pact, CENTO and then SEATO and flexed its muscle a lot in those hoary days. Liaqat Ali Khan even showed us his clenched fist. What happened to all those alliances? Pakistan would be alright if it knew its humble place instead of “me-too”ing all the time!Recommend
@Canadian: “I am getting my Popcorn ready – Isamists Versus Communists, Muslims who prey five times a day VERSUS Godless Communists.”
I think the Chinese must have jumped up from their seats after hearing of Gilani’s idea.
And knowing Afghans, if the Chinese physically intervene in Afghanistan, they will get the same treatment as NATO – and for Afghans, Pakistan will again be the source of their miseries. Recommend
Within couple of years, thanks to cheap Chinese goods and power shortage, Pakistan’s Industry will become history. The end would have arrived many years ago, but monetary help and exports to USA and other western countries have postponed its demise. Majority of our people don’t understand these things, they go after cheap slogans.. Recommend
Ahhh…the “deeper than ocean and higher than the mountain” friend china!
All the pakistanis should at once cancel their VISA applications to Europe.UK,US and apply for chinese visa for education and immigration.
Anyways, pak-china friendship is in line with establishments “strategic” goals….support any authoritarian regime that butchers its own muslim citizens. e.g.
Jordan paid well to kill palestinians -authoritarian king killing muslims
Saudis paid to attack mecca to crush the rebellion – once again king killing the muslims
. Bahrain pays to kill revolting bahrainis – ditto.
Now, chinese will ask the isi to kill muslim ughur nationalist in NW (no free lunch, specially with chinese) -authoritarian killing muslims again.
Uncle sam paid to kill our own muslim brothers!!
We are fighting for the human-right for our kashmiri-muslim brothers!! LOLRecommend
@FactCheck.
Have you forgooten the 1971 war? How your nation conspired to break up Pakistan? And what was Indias role in breaking up the country? i won’t even bother discussing all other wars including IPL episode, etc. Please verify your facts again.Recommend
US is bankrupt. Everyone is ditching their paper (currency & treasury). It is an economic decision.Recommend
Of course China and Pakistan or any two countries when coop. They do so on bilateral interests and not this country in place of that! Also China being an old friend of Pakistan but of course friendships have limitations too. But I personally would like to see India our next door neighbour to have mutually benificial relationship with Pak. And all countries to respect physical as well as idealogical boundries of each other. And a free UNO! Recommend
@saad…
I usually do not respond to my comments… Just a couple of things… There is a big difference between “standing by” and “acting”… U dont thank a doctor for “standing by” during a heart attack!!!!..
Second.. A nations’ support can be guaged by its non-military aid… to the things that really matter.. Education, Infrastructure.. Tell me by facts and not opinion as to who is the biggest donor to Pakistan since 1947.. and I know you will have an alibi about china just recently getting into the big league.. since 1991… U will see for yourself..
Third… Why are people so fascinated by military might .. when the real guage of development lies in expenditure on basic education and infrastructure..
Chest beating like Gorillas makes one a banana republic..Let us remember we developed into homosapiens!!!.. Recommend
In the material world everything is commidity and available for sale. In Chian Pak relationship what pakistan will offer in return for friendship. Is Pakistan having something to offer to China. In Pak Us relationship at least Pak is selling inteligense and some consulting services on the regional stratedic condition. My point is if PAK China relationship is a business deal then what isthe subject matter and what Pak can offer. As long as Pak is saleable then the buyers West and East can offer good price.Recommend
Taliban will kidnap one Chinese guy tomorrow and using this pretext the China will quietly invade and occupy much of your territory….not to talk about the chinese bombs raining over Waziristan.
This time, US and Russia will not be part of the theatre…Cold War is over !!
Talk about jumping from frying pan to the fire !!
But one good news though: you will have lots of chinese mobile phones !Recommend
Who says “Beggars cannot be choosers”? Look! Pakistan has a choice !!Recommend
@Saad Durrani:
“Furthermore, Chinese Army was on stand-by, in case India attack East Pakistan during the war of 1971.”
What happened then? It just stood by? Get real friend. Nations, Like God, help only those who help themselves. Forget about US/China/KSA. Stand on your feet and world will be your friend.Recommend
The politics of wieght-wage comes back again – the pre-independence Muslim League was a master of this and now they extended that for foriegn relations. Until Pakistan can free itself of it, it can never be truly strongRecommend
Chinese friendship is as strong and as reliable as chinese goods – enjoyRecommend
@DIG:
“But I personally would like to see India our next door neighbour to have mutually benificial relationship with Pak.”
Mutually beneficial relationships mean that both parties benefit from it. Ask Americans what they think of their “mutually beneficial relationship” with Pak. According to them, you “double-crossed, double-dealt and shortchanged” them. And, when they wanted an accounting of the aid of $2B every year, your economic managers were “deceitful, liars and cheats”. Thanks for the offer any way. We are better off keeping you at an arms distance if not farther!: Of course, we seem to be losing control of the Punjabi component of the “bhai-bhai” crowd in Delhi. But, that is not going to be any problem. Eventually, Indians line up behind each other where foreign countries are involved!Recommend
@Saad Durrani
“Furthermore, Chinese Army was on stand-by, in case India attack East Pakistan during the war of 1971.”
Saad, do refresh my memory. What happened after that? Did India become afraid of the standby army and refused to intervene in East Pakistan? Or did the standby become involved in the war?
I think neither happened.
India in its own interest and in the interest of 10 million plus, Bangladeshi refugees, facilitated the independence struggle.
And China in its own interest stayed away from the conflict.
That is how nations work.
Future value of Pakistan for China will depend on what Pakistan brings to the table. Pakistan has already ceded parts of Gilgit-Baltistan to China, now whole of GB is under effective control of Chinese troops who are there to help Pakistan in ‘flood relief’. Gwadar has areas that are no-go for anyone other than the Chinese.
Rest assured the godless dragon is more demanding a master than the yankee.Recommend
Assalam-o-Allaikum Warahmatullah.China has been proven itself always the true,most trustworthy,most credible,sincere and honest friend of Pakistan whenever Pakistan needed even in the need of the hour without any furtive objectives and intentions more than USA and any other non-muslim country of the world on any world’s forum and China has proven that China is a time-tested friend of Pakistan especially after getting independence in 1949.Pakistan-China friendship long live.Recommend
Whether Pakistan opts for China, USA or both is a secondary issue. The primary issue of concern is Pakistan mindset and concern for its own interest. Successive governments have sold pakistan in exchange for foriegn aid so that they can benefit from it by pocketing a percentage. This is the core policy of Pakistan irrespective of who is ruling.Recommend
We gotta be smart enough to use our relationships with certain nations. We as a nation should reap as much benefits from Pak-Chian friendship as possible,not militarily though, but in terms of education. Let us ignore what establishment wants and try to contain them in Pakistan by fortifying our own education system,civil society and democratic institutions. Nobody can deny the economic potential of China, plus the technological advancements the country has made. Look at the way they have developed their cities!!!!
Traders can take benefit from China’s access to the Arabian Sea, and we can take example of the Chinese education system….and try to learn from them in order to improve our technology infrastructure. Apart from that, we must also learn from the masses over there and how they have been performing for the past many decades. We must learn patterns relating to hardwork and commitment, and apply the same concepts for nation building in Pakistan.
I don’t say that we should make abrupt changes and boycott USA completely, but we as individuals need to get smart and derive our own benefits from Pakistan’s relationship with China, USA and other nations. We better start to play tricks with our establishment too and tell them that now the tables have begun to turn.
I have been reading comments from our Indian friends too,I just want to say that even during Cold-Wars USA and USSR used to have their embassies located in each other’s capitals (please correct me if I am wrong). We, the people of Pakistan(atleast the mature ones), don’t want to break our relationships with any nation including India and USA, but the lesson which I have learned from the history of Pak-US relationship, is that US officials would abuse us but continue to support dictatorships and extremism (indirectly) in Pakistan for their own benefits.I am also in favour of apologizing to Moscow for becoming a partner in crime against their nation back in 1980s and having a strong Pak-Russia relationship.
And I favour friendship with China due to one more fact i.e. unlike Russians, Chinese, Iranians and other emerging powers; Americans are not sons of their legal fathers…and their pathetic actions in Middle East, Vietnam, Afghanistan and other nations have proved it.Recommend
This is what Pakistan should have done long before.
China is proved to be best ever friend in the world. It supported Pakistan in many difficult times, openly in world.
Unfortunately, the corrupt politicians and bureaucracy are intended to get huge bribes and commissions from International sources and one of the biggest is USA.
USA provided many bribes in the name of help and support to Pakistan, but in reality they supported to increase the corruption, immorality and destruction in Pakistan.
Since then we discovered the hand of CIA, RAW and Mosaad behind many suicide bombings in Pakistan, Pakistanis should had started realize who is our real enemy.Recommend
Farruk:
You have assumed that somebody needs to bail out Pakistan always, USA or China or Saudi or whoever it is. Why dont u trust your own people and try to become self sufficient without begging. How long any one will continue to give alms.
“We have discovered the hand of CIA/RAW/Mossad behind many suicide bombings”.
Who is “We” and what have you discovered with evidence. First go and discover your own ISI’s duplicity and deceit instead of blaming someone else alwaysRecommend