Pak refuses to revisit China ties

COAS says PLA, army to contribute towards safeguarding ‘collective interests’

RAWALPINDI:

Despite apparent pressure by certain Western countries on Pakistan to revisit its ties with China, Islamabad is keen to deepen its partnership with Beijing.

In a clear sign that Pakistan is in no mood to review its relationship with China, the 95th anniversary of the founding of Chinese Peoples’ Liberation Army (PLA) was commemorated at the GHQ Rawalpindi. Army chief General Qamar

Javed Bajwa was the chief guest while Ambassador of China to Pakistan Nong Rong, officials from Chinese Embassy and officers from tri-services of Pakistan attended the event.

The event signals that Pakistan sees its future with China despite facing tremendous pressure from the West which is pushing Islamabad not to get too close to Beijing.

Observers believe that in fact one of the reasons that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is reluctant to immediately release the next tranche is because of the China factor.

The Western countries, it is said, through the IMF, are putting pressure on Pakistan to review its ties with Beijing.
Pakistan is trying to address the Western countries’ concerns, particularly that of the US, but it is evident that it will not antagonise China.

The strong statements made by both the Chinese ambassador and the army chief indicated that both the countries were not deterred by outside pressure.

“The Chinese ambassador said that China and Pakistan are iron brothers, all-weather friends and strategic partners,” an official handout issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

The Chinese ambassador said that the recent meeting of China- Pakistan Joint Committee of Cooperation held in China has set up an important platform for military collaborations which will serve effectively for military-to-military relations between the two countries.

The army chief felicitated the PLA, lauding its role in China’s defence, security and nation building.

“Highlighting various facets of the deep-rooted ties between the two states, militaries and the people, the COAS said Pakistan-China relationship is unique and robust that has proven its resilience in the face of challenges,” according to the military’s media wing.

“The COAS said PLA and Pakistan Army are brothers in arms and our relationship will continue to contribute towards safeguarding our collective interests,” Gen Qamar concluded.