China source of global stability, says PM Shehbaz

Premier congratulates neighbouring country on its national day, praises Chinese work ethics

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated China on its national day on Saturday and said that the "peaceful rise of China as the second largest economy" and global power was a source of stability in a perpetually changing world.

The premier took to his official Twitter handle to extend “heartiest greetings” to his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang, President Xi Jinping, and the people of China.

On the National Day of China, I extend our heartiest greetings to H.E. President Xi Jinping, H.E. Premier Li Keqiang & the people of China. The peaceful rise of China as the second largest economy & paramount global power is a source of stability in a perpetually changing world.

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 1, 2022

PM Shehbaz maintained that China offered a “promise of hope to the developing world” which was “beset by multiple crises” of climate, finance, food, and energy.

“The Chinese template of inter-state relations prioritizes cooperation over confrontation & is the governing principle in the formation of a Community of Common Destiny,” he stated.

China offers a promise of hope to developing world beset by multiple crises relating to climate, finance, food & energy.Chinese template of inter-state relations prioritizes cooperation over confrontation & is the governing principle in formation of a Community of Common Destiny.

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 1, 2022

The premier further said that he was “deeply touched” by the nation’s adherence to remarkable work ethics and discipline, which explained, “how China has been able to lift 800 million people out of acute poverty”.

Addressing the people of Pakistan, the prime minister stressed that “at this stage in our national life, work, work and work alone can lift us out of crises,” as exemplified by China.

Personally, I am deeply touched by the Chinese adherence to remarkable work ethic & national discipline. This explains how China has been able to lift 800 million people out of acute poverty. At this stage in our national life, work, work & work alone can lift us out of crises.

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 1, 2022

China lauds Islamabad’s appreciation

The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday that Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s comments on China’s assistance to Pakistan for flood relief efforts attested to mutual trust and friendship between the two countries.

Read Pakistan would rather be bridge between China, US: Bilawal

The statement came days after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Islamabad to seek debt relief from its close partner, Beijing.

FM Bilawal’s comments attest to mutual trust and friendship between our two countries, Mao Ning said in response to a question during her regular briefing today.

According to reports, Foreign Minister Bilawal gave an interview to Foreign Policy. In response to a comment that China had not come to Pakistan’s aid in a big way this year when the flood hit, he said it was “absolutely incorrect”.

The spokesperson said that China and Pakistan were linked by mountains and rivers and both the countries shared the same future.

Mao Ning said that China had always been among the first to help. Since the floods hit Pakistan this time, China had acted promptly to offer strong assistance.