Pakistan reiterates support to China amid Taiwan tension

PM Shehbaz Sharif speaks to Chinese counterpart Li Qiang, their first contact since latter took office

Pakistan on Thursday reiterated its support for China on Taiwan as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke to his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang, their first contact since the latter took office last month.

Shehbaz congratulated Li and reiterated Pakistan’s "unstinting" support to Beijing's “one-China” policy, as well as its stance on Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and the South China Sea, his office said in a statement.

Had a comprehensive & productive telephone call with Chinese Premier Li Qiang this morning. We discussed bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. Pakistan appreciates China’s peaceful development as a positive factor ensuring international peace and stability.…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) April 27, 2023

"As all-weather partners and close friends, Pakistan appreciated China’s peaceful development as a positive factor of international peace and stability, and was confident that China would continue to achieve milestones on its journey towards modernization and rejuvenation," he added.

The Pakistani premier also thanked his Chinese counterpart for China's "principled position" on the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region.

Li, for his part, "praised Pakistan’s support for China and reaffirmed his country’s continuing support to Pakistan’s national development, sovereignty and territorial integrity."

"China would continue to stand with Pakistan at all times," said the Chinese premier.

Beijing sees Taiwan as its own territory and criticizes high-level meetings between Taiwanese and foreign leaders.

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Taipei, however, has insisted on its independence since 1949, enjoying full diplomatic relations with 13 nations.

China recently held military exercises around Taiwan after its president, Tsai Ing-wen, met in Los Angeles US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Indicating an increase in interaction with the US, Taiwan’s National Security Bureau Director Tsai Ming-yen Wednesday told lawmakers that the island nation had "upgraded its computers to exchange real-time intelligence with the 'Five Eyes' alliance of the US, Canada, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand."

Besides political and military support, China has supported Pakistan financially, rolling over earlier loans and approving new financial packages.

Pakistan is under severe stress due to low foreign reserves and high inflation.

Notably, the communication between the premiers comes as chief of army staff General Asim Munir makes his maiden visit to China since he took over the command of the Pakistan Army in November last year. Experts termed the visit crucial against the backdrop of key geo-strategic developments in the region and beyond.

The visit to China by the army chief is being closely followed by Western diplomats in Islamabad since it will determine Pakistan’s future strategy in view of the growing tussle between Biejing and Washingtom.

Pakistan has tried to maintain a balance in its ties with the big powers but many observers believe that eventually the country may have to take sides.

Haroon Sharif, former chairman of Board of Investment, who worked in the past with Chinese, is of the view that with $30 billion bilateral debt and future stakes, Pakistan cannot turn its back on China.

The US, Sharif said, has realised this after using the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program as leverage over Pakistan.

But observers believe that China will not extend free dole-outs to Pakistan as it is concerned over certain issues including the security of Chinese nationals and stuck-up money of the Chinese-run power projects.

On top of it, China is worried about the growing political instability in Pakistan.

With input from Anadolu Agency.