In the backdrop of rise of India as a regional hegemon Pakistan’s relation with China assumes immense significance
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has always had exemplary relations with its neighbour China. This kind of outstanding closeness has been possible only due to a long-term and consistent goodwill that both countries have extended towards each other. Western countries failing to allay Pakistan’s security concerns, the end of the Sino-Soviet rapprochement and the Sino-Indian border war of 1962, which brought massive military aid from America to India, were the factors that pushed China and Pakistan closer to each other in the 1960s. Despite being a US ally and part of three Western security arrangements, Pakistan never got the kind of aid that was given to India.
Pakistan turned to China, with whom relations had already been improving and received a positive response. Through this strategic vision, its friendship with China became an essential and never-changing pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy. This was the beginning of a new era in bilateral relations, which continued uninterrupted in the subsequent decades. In critical times, China has always proved to be a best friend, such as in the two India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971, by playing an admirable role of an elder brother. Military aid was extended and war losses were compensated for, to a considerable degree. Pakistan played a significant role in restoring Chinese status in the UN and became instrumental in Sino-US rapprochement. It facilitated a trip of Henry Kissinger to China. Pakistan had worked as a mediator between China and the US for the former’s diplomatic recognition by the latter. China used its UN veto to hold Bangladesh’s application for membership at the UN, showing its partiality towards Pakistan. After this, the friendship between the two countries moved to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and development in the world and particularly in the region.
Pakistan-China relations became stronger when the latter’s prime minister visited Pakistan in 1989 and promised to help us in the construction of a nuclear power plant. The regional strategic dynamics were changing as the Soviets were withdrawing from Afghanistan after which the region became insignificant for the US. Pakistan was no longer a priority and when it tested a nuclear device in 1998 — in response to India’s tests — sanctions were placed on it by the US. During this time, it was difficult for Pakistan to maintain a steady stream of much needed military supplies. At this point, China stepped forward and helped Pakistan in this very crucial matter.
China’s cooperation in the nuclear power sector saw the construction of a 300-megawatt nuclear power plant at Chashma, which was completed in 1999. It also helped Pakistan build two defence-related projects. The first was Heavy Industries Taxila and its auxiliary unit, the Heavy Rebuild Factory and the second was the F-6 Aircraft Rebuild Factory. In addition to this, several Chinese-assisted mega-infrastructure projects were initiated and these contributed to our economic development and played a major role in the defence sector. These include the Gwadar Port project in which China is assisting Pakistan. China has also supported us in developing infrastructure and funded the linking of Gwadar to other areas. China is displaying its might in the vicinity of the subcontinent with its strategic presence at the Gwadar Port project.
Through this project, Beijing aims to have access to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean and would be in a position to monitor American naval activity, the joint exercises of Indian and US navies and energy shipments from the Persian Gulf. It would also provide an alternative passage to Central Asia for exports of energy resources. Also, the current government has embarked upon the same journey to further deepen relations by initiating more joint projects with China, the aim being to use them to boost economic activity. The challenges faced by Pakistan in the contemporary arena are the global war on terror and rise of India as a regional hegemon. In this backdrop, relationship with China assumes immense significance.
Amna Malik
Published in The Express Tribune, October 27th, 2014.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
