ISLAMABAD: Vice Prime Minister of China Meng Jianzhou has arrived in Islamabad on a two day visit to Pakistan.
Jianzhou will meet President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and the political and military leadership during his visit.
The talks will focus on bilateral relations, the regional situation and matters of mutual interest.
Jianzhou was received at the airport by Interior Minister Rehman Malik and Pakistan's Ambassador to China Masood Khan.
Saudi, Chinese and Pakistani intelligence officials to meet in Islamabad
A trilateral meeting between intelligence officials from Saudi Arabia, China and Pakistan will held in Islamabad today, Express 24/7 reported.
The trilateral meeting between officials will focus on United States (US) allegations against Pakistan and the future course of action in this regard.
Earlier, Director-general (DG) ISI Lt General Ahmad Shuja Pasha met Saudi officials at Chaklala base.
Sources said Saudi officials had conveyed a positive signal of considerable support to ISI officials during the meeting.
Updated from print version (below)
Looking east: Islamabad takes heart from Chinese leader’s visit
Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to counter growing American pressure might get a rare boost when Chinese Vice Prime Minister Meng Jianzhu arrives in Islamabad on Monday to discuss regional security, officials said.
“The visit (by the Chinese leader) has a symbolic as well as substantial value … it will definitely send a message across the Atlantic,” an official at the foreign ministry said, describing the tour as a big relief for Pakistan.
A spokesperson for the ministry, however, apparently made an attempt to downplay the trip, saying it was prescheduled and in the context of the 60th anniversary of Sino-Pak friendship.
(Read: Pakistan-China relations)
“It is a very important visit … but it doesn’t have to do anything with other developments taking place in the region,” Foreign Office Spokesperson Tehmina Janjua told The Express Tribune.
She said Meng, who also holds the portfolio of state security, would be meeting President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and other functionaries.
Officials said the Chinese vice premier is also scheduled to meet military chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI) Lt-Gen. Ahmed Shuja Pasha.
At a news conference on Monday, Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the visiting Chinese leader, who is his counterpart as well, is coming to Pakistan on an invitation extended by him and that the two will be meeting.
Malik said talks between him and Meng would focus on those Chinese separatists who were arrested by Pakistani law enforcers and handed over to authorities in Beijing.
Officials said China had assured Pakistan of diplomatic and economic support in case the US kept piling up pressure on Islamabad for its alleged inaction against the Haqqani network, a group of Afghan militants allegedly based in Pakistan’s North Waziristan tribal region.
“Short of physical intervention, they (Chinese) are willing to stand by Pakistan by all means,” said General (retd) Hamid Gul, a former head of ISI who returned from a week-long visit to China over the weekend.
Experts say the support from China or lack of it would determine how well Pakistan can hold its nerves together in the face of mounting US pressure in the run-up to the Afghan endgame.
(Read: The irony of Afghanistan and the real endgame)
Meng is also likely to take part in some ceremonies scheduled to be held in connection with the 60th anniversary of Pakistan-China friendship and will be meeting heads of various political parties.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 26th, 2011.
COMMENTS (86)
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So much for India-China rivalry! From today's Chinese newspaper. :)
""A closer economic relationship between China and India will not only have a profound effect on our two countries, but also boost the confidence of developing countries as a whole," said Zhang Ping, minister of the National Development and Reform Commission, at the dialogue's opening ceremony.
Montek Singh Ahluwalia, deputy head of India's Planning Commission, said that the dialogue would bolster economic engagement. The countries are already working closely together under groups such as the G20 and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and both need to address challenges together, he said.
"Both countries realize cooperation is more beneficial," said Yang Baojun, an East Asian professor at Peking University.
"Benefits from stronger economic ties outweigh their differences.""
@Aamir: I did say that Pakistan went to war with the intention of grabbing the Indian occupied part of Kashmir.You did not succeed ergo Pakistan lost the war.For instance US attacked Afghanistan with the intention of destroying Al Qaeda.If US withdraws in the next year ,could they claim victory based on the number they have killed.Pakistan had exhausted their stocks of amunition and could not continue the fight,while India did not want o spend more on the war.Thats why both countries accepted the UN sponsored ceasefire.If the war had continued Pakistan would have been completely defeated,because ultimately it is economics which decide the winner In his book titled The greater game: India's race with destiny and China, David Van Praagh wrote – India won the war. It gained 1,840 square kilometers of Pakistani territory: 640 square kilometers in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan's portion of the state; 460 square kilometers of the Sailkot sector; 380 square kilometers far to the south of Sindh; and most critical, 360 square kilometers on the Lahore front. Pakistan took 540 square kilometers of Indian territory: 490 square kilometers in the Chhamb sector and 50 square kilometers around Khem Karan.
@ayesha: This is exactly what Pakistan needs, a reform. Aid, loan are all feeding the corrupted, Pakistan has sufficient resources to cope up if it is thought strategically.
Mr. Kayani and Mr. Pasha, will you and the esteemed Core Commanders, enlighten us ordinary 179 million civilian Pakistanis why our future is being sacrificed for these Haqqanis. What have they delivered to us, promised to deliver to us, or are like to deliver to us in exchange for us picking a fight with almost the entire world. Could you also educate us less enlightened masses as to how we plan to finance and survive the hardship brought by the complete isolation we are willing to embrace for the love of Sirajuddin and Burhanuddin? Wouldn't it be wise, sirs, to perhaps liberate the North Waziristan from all foreigners, restore our sovereignty in those areas, and return the 'FATA' to the true sons of the soil - and then claim to the world that there are no operations from those areas by anybody against any country. Perhaps we will be more justified in questioning the drone strikes, if any, at that point.
To my indian brothers : Even Zaid Hamid is enough for you
To my American Brothers : take your choclate soldiers home , they aint good for anything examples being : Korea , Vietnam , Afghanistan & Iraq
@Roflcopter: You funny
The allegations that the Americans are making are as credible as the allegations that there were making to attack Iraq i.e. WMDs. Lies, lies and more lies once again.
Why the Sauid's? They are the source of our troubles.
@andleeb:
You don't need America? Then stop taking their money.
@Nadir: I am pretty sure , you are part of internet propaganda ..
Gen kayani has taken the action, because the WORD DO MORE, fro US ,what they want, only killing to our brothers wiziistan, The Us kill thousands of peoples in Iraq Afghanistan, Vietnam, and they want to Pakistan kill your own nationals, GOD will help us thanks Gen Kayani. President of Iran already told before the cosporasy against Pakistan NC
@All Delusional Souls Looking for a China/Russia/Pakistan/Iran/Saudi Arabia combine
A. How do you reconcile Mazar-e-Sharif massacre and the role of various 'Tanzeems' in the affair and Iran?
B. And Uighurs and China and those training Uighurs?
C. And Chechens and Russia and those funding the Chechens?
D. And LeJ and SSP and their supporters and Iran?
E. And Wahabism and fatwas of Apostasy and Iran?
F. And Godless communists and Holy Warriors? What will the war cry be, In the name of God or in the name of Mao?
G. And China's 400 billion Dollar trade with USA and 3 trillion investment in US treasury bonds?
I would suggest, Go easy on whatever you are taking.
This is all a hogwash, its a political gimmick, nothing will happen really. This is all a ploy to get the vote of the rightists for Obama in the coming elections. The USA does not need to attack a country it already has under its thumb...
@P.Joei: A voice of reason. However, Friendship would be too be big a goal. I hope for a peaceful coexistence in neighbours with all outstanding and historical issues ironed out so that no external powers can ever cause issues to anyone in the region!
@Faraz (Bangalore): Wishful thinking Faraz? Not gonna happen: India again choose the wrong side - against the will of the Afghan people, remember, the first time around Indians were in cahoots with Russians!
The Chinese had proved their loyal friendship by coming Pakistan in these tense situations and now it is our turn to deliver . Muslim Countries and China is our loyal friend . I will say to our leaders that plz try to know who are our friends and who are our enimies ???
@H Q
For all you apologists out there who believe China needs nothing from Pakistan, let me remind you how much significance Gwadar holds for China.
Looks like you know more about this than the Chinese. According the Chinese as recently as May 24th, 2011,"China said on Tuesday that it had not heard of Pakistan's proposal for China to help it build a naval port at the deep water port of Gwadar."
http://www.defence.pk/forums/naval-forces/110178-china-says-unaware-pakistan-naval-port-proposal.html
30 years ago, Russia wanted access to Karachi’s waters..... Tomorrow China needs access to Karachi and Gwadar ports.
So who gets Gwadar? Russia or China? Or does China get Gwadar and Russia gets Karachi? But then what does Haqqani get?
The whole plan of dragging US to the quagmire we call Afghanistan was to bring down a super power as huge as the US, within a decade. The mission is 90% accomplished.
Are you saying that Pakistan and China connived with Al Qaeda and Taliban in executing 9/11 in order to bring US and devastation to Afghanistan? Will you say the same to the Afghans?
Man you need urgent attention.
@Romm:
Unfortunately for you, everything I thought would happen has happened in the past 2 years. Not because of my sixth sense or anything like that, but the fact that I pay attention and think with a clear mind.
@Common citizen: I am saying pressure the government to deny aid. Let's do it.
Chinese export to MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region via the channel of Gawdar/Karachi is multi trillion. So, if tomorrow usa via india or afghsnistan can take hold of this route, they can dictate terms to chinese companies and this larger export market will be in big prpblem, so china will never want to make this thing happen and have to extend support to pakistan..
How many ui-gheer muslims china has executed so far ? How many are waiting to be executed ? China hates muslims and islam more than americans do. Pakistanis don't be an ostrich.
@James Kashmir is not a part of India and Pakistan was in possession of Indian territory at the end of the war, which India had to negotiate to get it back. War always results in economic and military suffering and is not the determinant of victory.
@Roflcopter:
We are shaking alright, but, it's not the feet. Rather, we shaking the samething that lead to the birth of Bangladesh in 1971.
We all know China has High stakes in US economy. We also know that China has been slowly but surely building itself, for a reason. Surely it isn't Russia or India. An adversary's enemy is a friend in any intelligent person's books. That said, I assume that China shall announce a cache of arms supply as a signal of support for Pakistan, and as a signal to India and others to stay put. This is Diplomacy. Nuclear armed countries don't just go to wars. Would u imagine the Americans wouldn't worry about their 140,000 troops in Afghanistan.
In the long terms we shall see an Indo- US alignment against Pakistan. Which may actually benefit Pakistan.... mow that our leaders wouldn't have the Dollars flowing into their kitties, they either bring their money back 5o Pakistan or the people of Pakistan shall dump them in the next General Elections.
He who lives shall see.... Inshaallah.
@ayesha: What to do now? We either face the wrath or live in the same suffocated environs with no end. No need for Pakistan to waste time on useless diplomacy. China or some one else won't aid us. I think its time for hard decisions.
People wonder China will support Pakistan against USA. But the actual question is that why Pakistan is coming face to face to USA. USA is financially weak but enough strong military to destroy Pakistan. But the matter in fact is different It is China who wants Pakistan to face USA in Afghanistan, It is Russia who see another Vet Nam in Afghanistan. In near future China is going to face big trouble from India in support of USA. It is the right time for China to hire Pakistan and destroy both US & India. Every one remember Pakistan well played American proxy war against USSR.
@Was a Pakistani: asked a common citizen of pakistan and you will find that reply.... i swear
Vienna,26-09-2011 Pakistan should welcome the visit of Mandarin China´s Paramount leader Weng Jhianzhou. He is willing to share table with Saudi Prince of Intelligence.The United States of America is shivering after for the third time its Embassy, CIA quarter this time came under attack.I have recommended all comments made before knowing there are atoms of truth and wisdom in all comments.Not only Long live Pakistan but also Pakistan Zindabad, calling victory at the door. Time is in our favour 70,000 armed angels would be sent by Allah to tilt the balance in favour the land of the pure as he did in Badr 1400 odd years ago. Taravadu Taranga Trust for Media Monitoring TTTMM India-- Kulamarva Balakrishna
@Lutfi Shah: Dodgy vs Dodgier:)
@Patel: Pakistan went to war in 1965 with the intention of grabbing Kashmir.The fact that they did not suceed means that Pakisan lost the war.Losing less milatary equipment or personel does not mean that you won the war.Your economy suffered so badly that Ayub was thrown out.Pakistan at that time was doing better than India.So who lost the war.
@H Q: There was earlier report that the Chinese were not interested in taking over the Gawdar port
@Common citizen: Then reject the aid and tell them we are going it alone ad we will not support you in this war. Tell them we will reject aid even if you give us.
I wonder if pakistan asked for any proof before handing over the alleged Chinese separatists
Am happy with china except that innocent chinese Uighur muslims are being handed over to china. & They came to our country as guests believing us to be a Islamic Republic and in return we betrayed them and handing them over to the chinese. The chinese with a very bad human rights record (who killed their own children mercilessly in tiananmen square) will torture these innocent muslims and kill them. Very Sad indeed.
@TightChuddi, don't know about US and Israel but Indians are always shaking.
All the assumption made above are good and logical.. But Can america risk to lose an ally and that Pakistan in the Afghan War,,,, before America gets out of here the world shall see the wholes in american ship in the middle of the sea,,,,, allowing for the Corrupt nature of our leaders there are still honest people in this country who every morning take a new oath to defend this country at each and every aspect. You can only learn when you are left alone, we are ready to face difficulties to stand on our own feet. And i believe that we have the talent and we can make it.
In the present scenario, the best thing to happen is Indo-Pak friendship. Neither US nor China will be required to poke its nose in this region. A new era of peace and tranqility will open floodgates of opportunities for the masses of the two hostile countries,- if the leaders of Pakistan and India open their eyes and look around for positive signs.
The reception the premier got at the airport is as if like some lord-ling came to see his province. He is happy to see the people still ready to be slaved.
I envy the state of mind of blissfully ignorant Pakistan. It will die a happy nation. Just don't come out of the sleep and it will be painless.
I bet Indian, US and Israel must be shaking in their boots...
Hi, some very naive comments above. Anyways, One all countries are dictated by their interest US is pursuing their own interest and Pakistan its own China will always side towards PK because of India, Israel, US and other nexus of western powers Saudi is always a go between US and PK and is always there whenever something important has happened in Afghanistan A new anti US bloc is in the offing in the cover of the Afghan settlement, PK, Russia, Saudi lead by China will lead this bloc and US, India and Israelis are very unhappy about it and as usual Afghanistan is sandwiched between these two teams. In fact Iran has also chosen to be on this side of the fence. This pressure will be at its peak in 2011 and 2012 and things will normalize sooner than later
My love for China doubled last week when I read Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan statement when he told a an American Diplomat in a reception the "Pakistan is as dear to us as Israel is to you". My views on Pakistan China Friendship.
@ayesha: Lady you seem too much sardonic and are in trepidation.... Wake-up lady. This is Our land, and we have to cut all fingers raising towards it....
All these dignitaries are visiting Pakistan not to offer support but to convey a message on behalf of the US. No wonder the policy makers are in a tizzy after pushing themselves into a corner. The cost of keeping proxies to do ones dirty deeds may prove steep. Where is the think tank that recommended and endorsed Pakistan's strategic depth policy ? They should be felicitated for their far sighted thinking.
@ayesha: Pakistan also has some leverage over USA as it holds the major supply route to American war machinery in Afghanistan. The best thing the US would do to/for Pakistan is to stop aid to Pakistan translating stop aid to its stooges in Pakistan. Push comes to shove, nothing will happen, USA ridden with $15 Trillion debt, a terrible state economy and a public with no appetite for new wars.
funny.. There are lotsss of indians posting against Pakistan.. even they know the truth All of you well know that the americans were always a dodgy government and one way or another they will try to attack any country they like by creating a base less idea and kill thousands. This whole war was based on a lie and the super power will no longer be a super power after their evil game in afghanistan and pakistan. -Why the americans and Nato supported Al-qaida in Libya?? I thought americans hated al-qaida :) -Why the americans hate Talibans when they created them especially the Haqanis?? -Why CIA is playing a double face game when a CIA personal "Raymen Davis" was arrested in Pakistan and he had "Enriched atom" and the US government lied in front of the whole world that this guy is a diplomat and after that they accepted that raymen davis was a CIA personal when pakistan showed the evidence?? -Why the americans them selves have connections with the terrorist groups???? -Why they went against the Palestinian state in the UN?? -Why don't they put pressure on india to free Kashmir?? Kashmir will produce more militant groups in this region.... -Why US is so Un-thankful to Pakistan?? when Pakistan has helped US more than any one in the world and now they turn back on us?? US has lost the war in Afghanistan and now they wanna put the blame on Pakistan hahahaha.. as a escape goat.... 2 face Cowards.
Its Deputy Prime Minister and Vice President. Not Vice Prime Minister!
I wish there is more trade defence and intelligence cooperation between China, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The three countries should form a united defence army like the NATO. The US will never dream of attacking Pakistan if this happens.
China is our friend while most of the Pakistanis veiw US as a foe trying to disintegrate Pakistan. Reality or fiction....but this is what most of the people think. THis is coz of US double standards, lies and propaganda wars. US think that it can brain wash people using media but people are too smart and they can understand what is the truth behind the fabricated news. USA is going to be ban rupted and will disintgrate in order to avoid 15 trillion dollars of debt repayment. What USA has lost is patience and time...while the Mujahideen in Afghanistan have all the time in the world. they will drain US dry of the resources. US citizens are struggling to survive but the shameful US govt is bend upon wars just to save Israel whih has become a liability for US. A parasite which dictates the US foreign policy. Its the time that US should think what is good for ordinary American? the hatred which they are getting by kow towing Israeli policies or a friendly M.East/Pakistan?
Assalam-o-Allaikum Warahmatullah.Pakistani leaders must respect and honor Chinese leadership than US' leaders because China is the most trustworthy,credible and reliable friend of Pakistan in than any European country or USA and Chinese leadership has proven it practically not only verbally.
@bruteforce well said
@H Q Gwadar is a failure as a port and no Chinese ships are docking there. I doubt China will be declaring itself as superpower in a few months, or that being China's toady is in the long term interests of Pakistan.
Pakistan has a pretty new foreign minister to who's name you just need to precede with a C and you get (C)Hina. What could be more flaterring?
The Yankees are smart. They already thought that once they start playing this game (do we think that this is a spur of the moment reaction coming from D.C.!) China is going to be a major player. Thus the recent staged attacks in the China south by Islamic (?) militants to soften their stance. Off course with CIA at work, who would prove that USA has terror links. Hondorus, Panama and other south American countries reel from what CIA has been doing there and supporting (peace?) in these countries. The plan to kill Castro was also prepared not by terrorists but peace activist linked to the USA. Give me a break!
The best thing that China did was humiliate India in the 1962 war. They are much better friends of Pakistan than the USA. Regarding Kargill, Pakistan had the upper hand until the Indians started crying in front of the world and Clinton who came to India's aid.
For all you apologists out there who believe China needs nothing from Pakistan, let me remind you how much significance Gwadar holds for China. China can multiply its trade exponentially through Gwadar in 5 years, which will take it 50 years with US sitting in the region and creating havoc in Pakistan.
30 years ago, Russia wanted access to Karachi's waters. Today US wanted to denuclearize Pakistan. Tomorrow China needs access to Karachi and Gwadar ports.
simple. With US out of the region, China will rule over the world within next 3-5 years. In 2012, China is going to declare itself as a super power.
The whole plan of dragging US to the quagmire we call Afghanistan was to bring down a super power as huge as the US, within a decade. The mission is 90% accomplished. Its just the last wish of the US before its death in the region, which Pakistan and China won't grant it. It wants to exit the region with heads high, but we're not willing to let them leave until they accept defeat. Come what may, we're here to stay insha'ALLAH. US will have to depart. And if they dare to attack us, they'll only be opening a Pandora's box of hell upon them which will further expedite their scampering from this region.
Nice to see some sane comments up top from @Nadir and @ayesha and an equally wonderful one from @Mirza.
US has stagnated, not declining. In relative terms India and China are catching up, but the US still holds the premier position in today's World. It has by far the biggest economy and it will remain so for a few more years.
As @ayesha pointed out, Aid from all quarters will be stopped and exports to these Countries will be banned. Just see the Countries which will obey the US blindly- EU powers, Japan, Australia, Canada-in sanctioning Pakistan. These set of Countries represent well over 70% of the World Economy. India will be ready to oblige with further sanctions or will ask for a hefty concession on Kashmir. India will probably persuade Russia to sanction Pakistan, in return to buy some arms. Plus, Russia will be itching to get back at Pakistan for supporting the Afghan Mujahideen in the 80s.
I dont see a single silver lining over the clouds which surround Pakistan.
China wont sacrifice its 400 billion dollar trade with US for Mullah Haqqani. Those who dream of Chinese intervention on our side should study the history of previous Pak India wars.
Pakistan should get it's own house in order. It should develop it's own vision for it's future. It should focus it's energies on improving quality of life of it's population. Every one wants peace and security be it Pakistan,China or USA.
Pakistan had far better relationships with China in the past. However, that did not save her from the world’s most embarrassing surrender in East Pakistan, running away from Kargil, not name a few. Now China has record trade surplus with the US and it is not going to jeopardize its hundreds of billions of trade with the US alone. What does Islamic Republic of Pakistan offer Communist China in return except the spread of fundamentalism and terrorism? China has not opposed (veto) the twin invasion of Iraq, invasion and attacks on Afghanistan, Libya, Serbia, to name a few. In fact when was the last time China ever opposed any US military action against any country? The same goes for Russia. Why should they be used by a tiny economy like Pakistan? Get real and stop looking for crutches and stand our own two feet.
china, Pakistan, Iran and Russia.....one block USA, India and NATO the other block.....this is what seems to be future of world politics in coming years.... But I am only for peace....if it can be achieved by such alliances then well and good....but if this leads to war then let things go the way they are going........
A very welcome, warm and inspiring visit. The Chinese have always supported and encouraged countries in the neighborhood to keep friendship with them. The economic development projects are always completed on time or well before the scheduled date. The political, economic and financial strings are not as stringent and hidebound as the Wests'.
"Friends have come from afar, how happy we are",,,,,,,,,,(Chinese Proverb)
Atlast the real power behind Pakistani drum beating has come on stage. To me the battle lines are now drawn. I think the US needs India for supplies and also to get close to Iran. After all the new world order requires new alignments. If US decides to escalate from here this will be kind of a death siren for Pakistan. Eventually China and US will fight for supremacy in the new world order and Pakistan will be the battlefield. The greatest casualty will be Pakistan. When two elephants in their "mast" fight for the real casualty is always the earth around. God save the Pakistani people.
He is coming to hand deliver another warning to Pakistan related to the terrorist attack in Xinjiang last month, where the terrorists were trained in Pakistan.
“Short of physical intervention, they (Chinese) are willing to stand by Pakistan by all means,” said General (retd) Hamid Gul
Yes, China stood by Pakistan when India dissected Pakistan in 1971. China paid 100s of millions after earthquake and floods.
“Short of physical intervention, they (Chinese) are willing to stand by Pakistan by all means,” said General (retd) Hamid Gul
This assumes that America would go the security council route to declare war on Pakistan (where China can veto such a vote). I doubt that USA has an appetite for that. What it wil do is - stop aid to Pakistan (not just Kerry Lugar but security aid as well - stop World Bank, ADB,IMF from lending to Pakistan - stop importing goods from Pakistan (over 40% of Pakistan's exports go to USA and an additional 40% go to its allies. China only sells to Pakistan - hardly buys anything from it.
This will make it difficult for Pakistan to finance fuel and fertilisers - which would directly impact electricity and food production and make the current economic crisis much worse than it currently is. China will not and cannot intervene in any of these situations
More wishful thinking. Does anyone really believe that China would spend political capital defying the US over Pakistan? The US economy is tottering, with China the largest holder of US debt the last thing it needs is to antagonize America. If China does need to face up its pacific rival, it will do so over Taiwan or the South China sea. Rather than coming to pat Pakistan on the back and telling us not to worry and face the US, he is probably going to pile pressure on us to tackle Islamic miltants who have been on a bombing spree in Western China.