Economic development: ‘China’s no-conflict policy a blueprint for Pakistan’

Chinese scholars emphasise the need for America’s presence in Afghanistan after foreign troops’ withdrawal.

Visiting Chinese scholars at the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) on Thursday evening said that pursuit of peace and no-conflict policy is behind their country’s remarkable progress in the last two decades. They said for a developing country like Pakistan, there is no alternative but to have a peaceful environment if it wants sustained economic development, said a press release issued by the institute.

Professor Feng Zhongping who is heading the Chinese Institute of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) delegation, a world renowned think tank of China, said that their country has faced many challenges such as its relationship with the US and territorial disputes with neighbouring countries.



But China decided against confrontation and conflict and decided to solve all issues through negotiations and diplomatic means. He ascribed the current slowdown in China’s economy to drop in trade with Europe, which is experiencing serious economic crunch.

The discussion at IPRI also focused on the situation in Afghanistan and the scenario after US withdrawal.

IPRI scholars said that a political settlement on which all Afghan stake holders agree is essential if Afghanistan is to have sustainable stability after the exit of foreign forces. They said the suggested presence of a small US contingent will not be able to provide stability --- something that even a much larger force has been unable to do in all these years. They said what is needed now is much more effective role by the regional countries, especially China.



The Chinese scholars however were of the view that Afghanistan would need both US presence and financial support for a number of years, which no other source could provide.

IPRI suggested a UN presence with the support of China and other regional powers and organisations. The Chinese scholars said that Afghanistan would need the support of Pakistan in matters such as trade passage with India besides its political influence in settlement talks with Pashtun elements.



IPRI scholars maintained that Pakistan was not focusing on the Pashtun and its current policy favoured fair representation for all ethnic groups including the Northern Alliance.

Dr Noorul Haq, senior research fellow at IPRI, in his concluding remarks said that Pakistan favours the resolution of all conflicts and disputes through negotiations, mediation and arbitration.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th, 2012.