Nawaz Sharif and Chinese Premier, in an agreement signing ceremony in Beijing. PHOTO: Government of Pakistan website.
One of the agreements includes the construction of a 200km-long tunnel that amounts to $18 billion in cost. The "Pak-China Economic corridor" will link Pakistan's Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea and Kashghar in Xinjiang in northwest China.
For the development of the Economic Corridor, the two countries agreed to collaborate on connectivity construction, people-to-people construction exchanges and exchanges between local governments and organisations.
Pakistan reiterated its desire of following a one-China policy, opposing Taiwan and Tibet's independence and supporting China's efforts in combating extremism, terrorism and separatism, a statement issued by foreign ministry on Friday said.
The two countries agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of maritime security, search and rescue and disaster relief at sea, combating piracy, maritime scientific research, environmental protection, and blue economy.
China and Pakistan's friendship "sweeter than honey": Nawaz
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday told his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang their countries' relationship was "sweeter than honey", during a visit to Beijing with economic ties at the top of the agenda.
Pakistan and China are close diplomatic and military allies and Nawaz, who is on his first foreign trip since his May election, is looking to secure infrastructure projects to tackle a chronic energy crisis and economic malaise in his country.
At the Great Hall of the People in the Chinese capital, Nawaz said his welcome "reminds me of the saying, our friendship is higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the deepest sea in the world, and sweeter than honey".
Li told him: "I greatly appreciate your great warmth and deep affection for the people of China."
The Chinese premier was the first foreign leader to visit Pakistan after Nawaz's victory at the polls.
Beijing has been involved with the upgrade of the Karakoram Highway as part of a proposed economic corridor between the two countries.
Earlier this year China took control of Pakistan's Gwadar port, giving it access to the Arabian Sea and Strait of Hormuz, a gateway for a third of the world's traded oil.
China-Pakistan trade last year reached $12 billion and is targeted to rise to $15 billion in the next two to three years.
On Thursday Nawaz held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, amid concerns in his country over weak growth, inflation and power cuts of up to 20 hours a day.
Xi, who referred to Nawaz as an old friend and a good brother, said strengthening strategic cooperation with Islamabad was a priority for China's diplomacy, the state-run broadcaster China Central Television reported.
Nawaz said his country welcomed Chinese investment and would work to create a friendly environment for it.
The threat of terrorism is also expected to figure during Nawaz's discussions.
COMMENTS (87)
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@ALI:
Very Heavy Transit Fees Once This Corridor Starts
@Umair Waheed, IBA Khayban e Hafiz:
So Tell Me "Umair Waheed, IBA Khayban e Hafiz" How Is The Weather In Mumbai These Days LOL
At least Pakistan has a friend in the neighbourhood unlike India. Friends are critical!
How can distance from Gwadar to Kashghar in Xinjiang be only 200km?
flying jf 17s through the tunnel?lol? chinese guy explain
nothing significant.
aloo laylo tinday laylo gajar laylo
just a field trip.
went empty handed. came back empty handed with 'Nothing', " Made in China"
You should know,only two weeks ago,three Chinese was killed on Pakistan.However they make a statment that "The two countries agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation" "China and Pakistan’s friendship “sweeter than honey",do you know what that mean?It means NOBODY can sow dissension between China and Pakistan by terrorist attack what can only make the two countries enhance cooperation. .
Gawader port is taken by the state run company of china , technically it is under chinese control.
@Xi Jang Pui A lot of commentors here are just too cynical with out much of objective reasoning. I think any projects and agreements that come to fruitation between China and Pakistan will do good to both countries. It appears that our nation has just grown this habit of being critical of anything and everything.
@Jay Comprehension issues ?Read my comment again! I actually have a passport from a North American Country. I was comparing response I got from China on my visits with Green and later Blue passports. I am not talking about other countries. Instead of trying to construct weak arguments for the sake of arguments either keep quite or be constructive.
All of those who question the need for 200kms long tunnel should know that its very strategic for Pakistan . Such long tunnel will facilitate not only land traffic but Pakistan can fly JF-17's through this tunnel without fear of being shot down . China will help Pakistan to achieve status of next superpower of world as all the strategic points are located in Pakistan. Indians can only sulk looking at Pakistani progress .
@Khaksar: "200 km long tunnel?? What for?" +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Cause there is light at the end of the tunnel.
there should be representation of GB with out them this project is totally fail . where is there representative ????
No diplomacy but only "KHUSHAMAD".
@Asif: I wonder who told you Pakistan is to BENEFIT more from such a deal.
China has a number of ports on strategic locations across the Indian Ocean to the Suez Canal, called the 'String of Pearls'. If I am not wrong there are some 12-13 different ports in different countries for military and commercial activities. Gwadar is a strategic port and one of those ports. Connecting it by tunnel to China is definitely to carry cargo and passengers.
China is paying NOTHING for a beautiful scheme and that is the reason Balochistan does not want infiltration. Pakistan loses if a MILITARY PORT (we don't know for sure now- but all ports are supposed to be protected- foresight is always a good thing) is established and Nawaz Sharif has made complete arrangements for Balochistan to break away!!! We are just sitting ducks!!!
It would not a single 200-km tunnel. Media is misreporting. It will be a series of tunnels and the cost of $18 billion is the total project cost of the corridor linking Kashgar with Gwadar.
It's not going to be a single 200-km tunnel, rather a series of tunnels that together be 200-km long. And most of them will be under the Karakorams and the distance of the KKH between Khunjerab and Islamabad will be reduced.
@Rahul: You make me laugh with your false bravado....A few weeks ago some Chinese troops crossed into India for a camping trip. All you could do was make a huff and a puff. They left peacefully in their own good time and after proving that u are all talk. Only thing your military and politicians did is release statements. Oh and you sent some of your own troops with binoculars to keep an eye on them.
@Muhammad Rizwan Ali:
'Chinese fiends' was that a freudian slip? :-)
200 km tunnel will be constructed in 200 years. In the picture above, Nawaz looking on his left, Shahbaz on his right, not sure what are they getting into.
Nawaz signs $18m tunnel deal with China!
Btw, nice tunnel to siphon money!!
OMG, tunnel made by China! What would be the lifespan of the tunnel?
FYI the distance between Gwadar and Kashgar is over 2,000km.
@Rex Minor: One also need a basic 24/7 ELECTRICITY Supply first, before Dreaming of the rest ! This is a seriously a flawed deal from Pakistani perspective in long run ! There is nothing in this for Pakistan benefit, however for the Chinese , it creates the i9mmediate route for their trade and long term aims for road network for warm water ports, if Pakistan has the stability for that ! Its a win win for the Chinese and I do not see as to, How is this going to benefit the Pakistanis, as the level of trade both ways is likely to be 10 to 1 in favour of the Chinese. The real question is , Who is Funding this Project ?
You cant help but LOL at all the Indian dudes envying the fact that Pakistan is getting investment from their second enemy China... Keeping on burning in the flames of your own envy Trolls.
A 200 km tunnel would be longest tunnel in the world by a distant margin, and I don't see where it would be needed. I am pretty sure that $18bn is the total cost of the entire project (road\railway links) and not just the cost of a single tunnel. In fact, many small tunnels would have to be built.
@Haris Chaudhry: U r too pessimistic. U suck man. One should appreciate the good work regardless of party affiliation.
@Pakistani Ostrich: You are the only person on this forum asking the million dollar question ! This is not likely to be freebie nor in interest of Pakistan , more like the first stage of setting up a route to the long term interest and the port in the south ! Where are the deals that actually will help Pakistan in their current crises at present ? Sadly that was never on the agenda from these friends !
Why chinese minister laughing in photo on pakistani counter part !
Pakistan newly elected Prime Minister is writing a new chapter in the history of China nand Pakistan relations. Nawaz sharif has the vision an must be applauded. People of Pakistan need to further their relationships with the chinese people on a village, city and town basis, entering into joint projects in agriculture as well as industrial Engineering. Pakistan needs the infra structure for the modern travel as well as the commnication, including the high speed train link between Peshawar and Karachi!!! China has the most advanced high speed trains in the world.
Rex Minor
@Xnain: Every one have the right to say there opinion and that may not suits you.We are not here to satisfy every pakistani friends opinion neither we are bound to be like that.
@Akbar Khan: "Will China donate $20 billion to ease our financial burdens"
Khan Sahib, only 20 Billions? please increase your DEMAND OF DONATION to 80 BILLIONS.
Let us see:
Gotthard Base Tunnel, Switzerland - Once completed in 2016, the Gotthard Base Tunnel will be the longest railway tunnel in the world. 35 miles Seikan Tunnel, Japan Hokkaido Railway Company - Until the Gotthard Base Tunnel is completed in 2016, the Seikan Tunnel holds the title of the longest operational railway tunnel in the world. Completed in 1988, the tunnel measures 33.5 miles longSo now two of the world's engineering giants, Pakistan and China will construct a 200 km long tunnel.
@Jay: And any deals made between China and India please? Gawadar-China Corridor is critical for China as it will potentially free China from dependence upon Indian Ocean. Gawadar has the potential of becoming energy hub for central Asia,Afghanistan and China (Even India). Chinese companies have already agreed on resuming stalled coastal refineries project. China needs natural resources to feed its growth engine and Gawadar can easily become the supply-line for that engine. @ET I have seen it often that our eastern friends start a trollfest by using Pakistani names. Do have some checks in place to avoid being labelled as a poor moderator.
@Bilal: Where are the expats who were "pledging" to covert KPK into Hong-Kong? Not a single business delegation has visited KPK ever since the forming of KPK government. Not a single effort made to gather investment in energy sector? At least have something on your resume first before commenting on others
@jay
thanx bro for the concern but sadly keep it to you we d,nt advice at least from you people,,so you ppl deal your problems we will do ours,, let me remind you 1 thing that you people should now leave in the heaven of fools with thinking that whole globe belongs to you and india can dictate whatever it wants to any one,, your condition is miserable when China greets Pakistan we can understand but its a bitter reality ,,accept it
@H Chaudhry: Man you have to understand that china is not the only country in the world.Why can't you try with your passport in North america,Europe or any other major countries and see there response !
good..........so what does pakistan get in return.
@Shabi: Atleast we remind you that in international arena,there is no much importance on friendship. May be a friend can become foe later.So don't get too much excited, when both china and pakistan make deals worth few billion dollars and every country looks for there self interest. Any deals between your country only make in favour of china and not otherwise.
Hadn't the previous government signed $100bn worth of "deals" with China? What happened to those? ET readers need to understand what a MOU is: it's a meaningless piece of paper that in very vague terms says that both countries will make a good-faith effort towards a project. When Chinese delegations visit India, they sign tens of billions of dollars of "contracts" -- legally binding documents where if you don't act upon immediately you can be taken to court.
Every wondered why Pakistani PMs come back from China with only MOUs? China will invest a couple billion dollars every year in Pakistan to keep Pakistan on its leash -- but they have no intention of investing more than that. The sooner we realize that, the better we are.
Can someone explain what this tunnel is all about?
Really, it must be said ... ET comments are too negative of Pak-China relationship. Why?
A piece of crap. China is not Pakistan's real friend. If it was so it would have helped Pakistan. it has always used Pakistan. Pakistan should effectively abolish the FTA with China and be firmly in the US camp. Only then will we get the dollars.
Now my indian friends had started pouring with fake names of Pakistanis in the comments thread,, com,on dude its understandable that ur pents have become wet as were ever when it comes to Pak-China friendship,,
@Bilal You dont have to read it if you dont like! Same for other folks who have issues with statements. Why not go about minding your own busines, what it is to you if it is Sweeter than Honey or what not ?
Infrastructre development spending is best form of Governmental spending to stimulate ailing economy, provide jobs and keep the roll on moving. NS gets it! Obama gets it and therefore he was asking for a massive Infrastrucre overhaul last year or so...
My point is instead of being cynical national all the time, perhaps using brains would be a good idea.
@Nair So are you expert of what Chinese people think ? I have been to China few times both on green passport and later on a blue passport of my adopted country and I was recieved better with green one. Some of you folks just talk for the sake of talking.
$18 billion for tunnel? Who is going to get most benefit from it. How many of us, especially engineers and scientists, will be employed for this project? What is the term of financing? How we will get charged? is the construction cost a 'soft' loan to us from china? On the first glance it looks like win win for china. We need more details before we start tasting the honey. I would have thought, financing for IPI, circular debt of power industry or debt in general (for which we have once again, gone begging to USA controlled IMF) would bring immediate and lasting relief for us. As immediate power restoration, will help the awam by reducing load shedding, farming (fertilizer plant, farm equipment) and of course, the industries like textile(our largest exporter).
What are these Chinese doing in tunnels of our backyard. Time we stop dragging our feet and instead kicked them where it hurts most by signing some 'real' military partnership agreements with Vietnam, Phillipines and Japan (and perhaps some good Tunnels near Chinese border). A hard message must be delivered.
"Higher than Himalayas and deeper than the oceans ", was not enough. "Sweeter than honey" was required. Its a very entertaining relationship.
ET kindly filter out All Comments which are full of Cynicism. ET is infiltrated by trolls from Neighboring country and their Ultimate aim is to disparage everything in Pakistan. Infrastructure development create hundreds of thousands of Jobs and these types of Projects will ultimately benefit the general public as well.
Sweeter than honey.wrong. .aspartame is 200times more sweeter and most sweet matter.
Damn it enough with this "sweeter than honey / higher than Himalayas" crap! ENOUGH!!!!! STOP IT PLEASE STOP IT!!!
ET kindly filter out All Comments which are full of Cynicism. ET is infiltrated by trolls from Neighboring country and their Ultimate aim is to disparage everything in Pakistan. Infrastructure development create hundreds of thousands of Jobs and these types of Projects will ultimately benefit the general public as well... have an example of dawn , if u want to be taken seriously
this is awesome. i believe Nawaz Sharif could turn these MoU's into action for he is a man who is master in infrastructural development.
Why the tunnel deal ? So that they overtake you at their whim ! What happened to all those Nuke power plants deals ? Sir ! Where are they ? This stupid Tunnel deal actually puts your nation at greater risk ! There are no Benefits here !
does anyone have any idea of what China has at stake in Pakistan. China has an ulcer in its soft under belly and Pakistan has people who, if let loose, can aggravate this problem beyond imagination. The problem is decades old yet discussed only in fleeting remarks. One can get picked up killed and dumped if dare talk about it.
And now the venomous onslaught of Indian dudes will start :) take it easy
That taund of yours is because of eating too much honey. Look at how he's trying to cover his tidd. Karachi is neck deep in chaos and monsieur PM is out on a family trip....btw why did he take his family with him? Itna bhai chara kyoon bhai?
These words are becoming boring. Neither Pakistan nor China has the imaginative thinking to come up with beautiful words. I suggest they should hire Jawed Akthar. He would write poems with beautiful words to describe their friendship.
@Humer: It is called higher than mountains because Gilgit has been handed over to Cina to control and deeper than ocean because Gwadar has been handed over.
@Rex Minor: "great leaders suc as chairman Mao"
Really? A "great leader" who sent 20 million of his fellow Chinese to their death during the "great leap forward". You do have weird views on what greatness means.
The Pakistani leaders have no shame at all. No self respect either, kowtowing like a toadie. Even the Indian leaders, with their low standards, are not this lacking in self respect and pride.
sweeter than misri hahahah let starts working man every day same words over and over nothing real even last night on CCTV just shows china Pakistan cement the good relation??
People must not ignore the fact that China is not only the country but a civilisatio!!! China also had the opportunity to have great leaders suc as chairman Mao in he 20th century.
Rex Minor
During the last 65 years, who sucked whom, why China is like that and why Pakistan is like this. Will China donate $20 billion to ease our financial burdens.
And Pakistan is suffering from diabities.
One thing I need to understand who can a relation be higher then Himalayas, deeper than deepest ocean, sweeter than honey exists.....
I am not questioning but try to understand multi-valued relation....
@Muhammad Rizwan Ali: Chinese never love pakistani people.They love there self interest than any thing else.Its only pakistani people always talking about higher than mountains, deeper than ocean etc and not majority of chinese.China starts to understand that pakistan us a burden for them
I am Pakistani living in Shenzhen,China, The recent visit of NS to China, really all my Chinese fiends feel very happy, they love Pakistani people and Pakistan. Hope these relations will be more stronger After Allah, only China is real helper of Pakistan
@Thor: "What are they both doing with there thumbs?" ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Its either thumbs up of thumbs down:)!
Some of the comments are spot on!
Really sick of these anecdotes. Absolutely no truth to them
Nawz sharif Showing fingers telling chinese PM I will be PM for 4th term aswell....
@Haris Chaudhry: It's diplomacy, my friend.
But I agree that all projects China gets must be evaluated in economic terms, not sentimental attachment.
What are they both doing with there thumbs?
Some other catchy statements..
1>Warmer than volcano 2>Closer than 2 lips of mouth. 3>More Nobel than Noble. etc etc.
@Haris Chaudhry: "Let’s agree that we can only ever serve as a ‘client-state’ to our powerful neighbour and nothing more !" +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Well China cannot even come close to our record with IMF........!
China has not "taken control" of Gwader Port. Rather a Chinese company is managing it. There is a huge difference in these acts, and I wish ET would review what it is publishing rather than regurgitating foreign propaganda.
Sweeter than Honey? Thats what he came up with? .. Too much "Eye to Eye" going on here.
"sweeter than honey" Obviously Mr. Sharif has not crossed the border on the Khunjerab Pass in a NATCO bus. We have been detained for no reason for four hours in the bus without being allowed to exit or go to the bathroom. It seemed that Pakistan and China were the greatest enemies.
Waheed
We are bored hearing this repeated statement again and again.Why sherif keep on reminding to the chinese dignitaries about this statement,what they forgot?
Good that Sharif finally realized it is "Pakistan"
Just watch out for the sting PM !
China's economy of $6 trillion ($6,000 billion) is 30 times bigger than our tiny and non-functional economy of $200 billion.
China spends 25 times more than we do on Defence.
China's education and health budget is 45 times larger than ours.
Let's agree that we can only ever serve as a 'client-state' to our powerful neighbour and nothing more !
This talk of dramatising the depth of friendship doesn't cut it in the 21st century !