Proud at 75

Pakistan and China are phenomenal friends, indispensable strategic partners and exemplary neighbours. Marking the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, the two countries resolved to scale new heights of success, and to ensure that their common denominator of furthering peace and security along with a robust connectivity is realised in all seriousness. This is why their bilateralism is rightly termed as "time-tested and unbreakable" as they venture into new horizons of cooperation in counterterrorism, broader regional stability and geo-economic amalgamation. Likewise, their commonality of approach in defence and foreign affairs makes them 'all-weather' tactical allies, providing the necessary impetus to stand fast against extraterritorial maneuvering and expansionist hegemonic designs from regional irritants.

The diamond anniversary of the Sino-Pak relations was marked with a special session of parliament and an extraordinary elite event in the federal capital. It was rightly pointed out that from power plants and dams that illuminate and energise our nation to the unwavering support extended during moments of hardship, such as the four-day war with India that changed the power circumference in Pakistan's favour for all times to come, the Chinese system support serves as the catalyst. That understanding is in need of being buoyed, and Pakistan's policy of steadfastness with Beijing irrespective of realpolitik changes is a sign of sincerity.

As noted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif while speaking at a separate event marking the anniversary milestone, "through mutual efforts, sincerity of purpose and shared commitment", the two friends "have built a relationship which is second to none and truly unique in the world". There is no doubt that China has always stood by Pakistan "like a solid rock" during difficult times, including earthquakes and floods as well as economic and strategic challenges, and its support for Pakistan is unmatched in history of relationships between two countries.

Pakistan, meanwhile, is home to China's multibillion developmental project, CPEC, whose second phase is now commissioning into industrialisation, after the first phase of the gigantic project having laid down a cobweb of logistics and power infrastructure. The growing student apprenticeship in the realms of agriculture and engineering are writing new chapters in realising modernity with technological transfer being an ingredient of a long-term integration synthesis. Last but not least, both the countries have a similar perspective for the region and are sceptical of power blocs on the lines of militarisation, and this is something that brings them closer for renewed vitality in diplomacy, international law and economics.

As the friendship between the two sides moves towards its eighth decade – and thus pretty mature and settled – there are several areas that must be marked for furthering unanimity. The prime among them is greater people-to-people coordination, and easing of the visa regime along with a thrust on tourism. A host of forums for dialogue that exist must re-synergise their notes to ensure more inclusivity in both geopolitics and economics.