Post-transition: Relations with Pakistan to stay unchanged, says China

Ambassador says despite reorientation in Beijing’s policies, ties with neighbours to remain the same

ISLAMABAD: The 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has set forth new targets for the future with reform as a salient feature for China’s new epoch.

However, maintaining Sino-Pak relations is a priority.

Briefing a select group of journalists about the transition, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Liu Jian said, “no matter what changes come at the international frontier, our (Pak-China) friendship will remain untouched.”

“Though there is change of leadership, there is no change in policy,” the ambassador affirmed.

He said that Pakistan and China have always been ‘all-weather-friends’. “We will continue upholding bilateral relations between the two countries. That is on top of the agenda.”

Liu Jian said that China and Pakistan should work closely to meet regional challenges.

“We should support each other against foreign interference for upholding sovereignty and independence,” he said.

The Ambassador also suggested encouraging interactions between the youth of the two countries.

Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari during an interaction with the Chinese media felicitated the newly elected leadership of China and the 18th Central Committee of CPC.

“On behalf of the people of Pakistan, the Government, I wish to congratulate the Communist Party of China for smoothly electing its new Central Committee and a new leadership,” a message by the President stated.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 16^th, 2012.