In the 12-year period between July 2000 and June 2012, net foreign investment in Pakistan amounted to about $29 billion, of that, just $0.8 billion came from China. CREATIVE COMMONS
Pakistan’s leaders love using laughably outrageous metaphors in describing the country’s relationship with China, yet the truth is that this so-called alliance means almost nothing positive for the Pakistani economy.
All of Islamabad – indeed all of Pakistan – appears to be bending over backwards in laying out the red carpet to welcome Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. But the fact of the matter is that China will give Pakistan almost nothing, and this two-day trip is really only being made by the Chinese premier to avoid slapping Islamabad in the face completely, after having made his first trip abroad a three-day visit to India, in a key signal about the real shifts in Chinese foreign policy.
Pakistanis love to proclaim China as our “all-weather friend. In his last visit to China, former Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani described the relationship as “higher than mountains, deeper than oceans, stronger than steel and sweeter than honey.”
On this trip, Premier Li described the relationship as “a tree, now exuberant with abundant fruits”.
This was not him being poetic. It was delivering a message that nobody in Pakistan seems to have gotten: that China’s ties with Pakistan are not some eternal alliance of friends, but a strictly utilitarian relationship in which Beijing uses Islamabad occasionally to scare the living daylights out of the United States and India to get what it wants in its negotiations with Washington and New Delhi, and then abandons Pakistan once that transaction is completed.
A look at the numbers suggests that the Islamabad-Beijing relationship has had very little benefit for Pakistan as whole.
In the 12-year period between July 2000 and June 2012, net foreign investment in Pakistan amounted to about $29 billion, according to the State Bank of Pakistan. Of that, just $0.8 billion came from China, and nearly all of that was China Mobile’s investment in Zong.
China’s investment in Pakistan is less than that of tiny Netherlands, which invested $1.4 billion during that time. The supposed “Great Satan” – the United States – invested the most in Pakistan: $7.7 billion, or more than a quarter of all foreign investment in the country. There is only one major Chinese company with actual investments in Pakistan: China Mobile. The number of major US companies investing in Pakistan? More than 30.
In Pakistan’s terms of trade with China, the relationship is virtually colonial in nature. In 2012, China sold Pakistan about $6.6 billion worth of goods, mostly electronic equipment and machinery. Pakistan sold China about $2.6 billion worth of goods, nearly all of that cotton yarn. By contrast, Pakistan runs a trade surplus with both the United States and the European Union.
But what about Gwadar Port and its benefits to Pakistan, one might be tempted to ask. There is no denying that Gwadar – if developed properly – can deliver massive economic gains to Pakistan as a whole and especially the impoverished people of Balochistan. The problem is that this is exactly what we said when we handed over the Saindak copper and gold mines to China a decade ago. How’s that working out for us? Not very well, by the looks of the Balochistan and federal governments’ revenues, and the utter lack of development in that area.
What about other Chinese companies building infrastructure in Pakistan? They are simply contractors being paid for construction work on projects financed mostly by Pakistani taxpayers or donations from the US, EU or multilateral donors.
The truth is that China is much more serious about its economic relationship with India than with Pakistan. Here is how we know: in Islamabad, the Chinese premier will, at best, sign a few memoranda of understanding, essentially worthless pieces of paper that say nothing of substance. In India, the visit was marked by Chinese companies signing legally binding contracts with their Indian counterparts worth billions of dollars. China’s trade with India is worth $68 billion and the two countries are on track to take it to $100 billion in two years.
The sooner Pakistan wakes up from the “China is our friend” delusion, the sooner we will stop giving control of the country’s economic resources for almost nothing in return. The harsh reality is that Pakistan means almost nothing to China, and that is why the relationship with Beijing has yielded almost no tangible benefits for the Pakistani economy.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 23rd, 2013.
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@xinbao: to Adil "...We are taught by our ancestor and the old philosophy that “you should treat everyone kind and keep harmony”, that’s why we have a all-frdindship foreign policy. " Try to count how many friends China has to the north, south, east or west of China! Confucius say: I, you ancestor, say speak truth or you will be caught in your own lies!
This article shows breath-taking ignorance, bias and frankly, is economically worthless. The author needs to check his facts before writing such gibberish. Good on ET for providing the platform for this substandard piece of journalism!
In my experience, only Sri Lanka, Phillipines, Singapore, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico should be our top priority for trade.
Absolute humbug. Whatever the author has tried to project at a very wrong time is far from truth. Pak-China friendship is well over 50 years old. During this period, unlike India, Afghanistan, USA, western world and Russia that have harmed Pakistan, China never intrigued against Pakistan and supported Pakistan on all international forums. Besides political and moral support, China has been generous in building our military industrial base and nuclear technology which no other country did. The list is very long. This is notwithstanding that Pakistan too benefited China. The author has warmed the cockles of the hearts of India and USA but saddened Pakistanis. I pity him.
@qalander: very well done man,,
wowww can anyone also comment of China transferring technology of K-8 and JF-17 to Pakistan? can anyone comment that how we built our first medium range missile? how about Chinese working on Gomal Zam Dam despite their engineers being abducted and killed? what are the comments on Chashma-I and now Chashma-II? if today, we stand relatively less relevant to China, its for our own follies dear Sir. I grade this article to be part of a propaganda campaign, nothing more
I wonder what VOICE OF AMERICA has to say on this same issue ???
There is everything right in this article. And yet it is only a literal report, with the occasional value-judgment -- as with virtually all such exercises in Pakistan. Words, words, words, words, ............, and then a screeching halt just short of what would make all the effort worthwhile!. Where are the consequent action points? If essays like these followed up with the inescapable recommendations that are a natural consequence of their observations .......... ! Is this deliberate escapism? It is understandable, perhaps, when the failure of 65 years of a consciously practiced approach has to be confronted. And yet the only available solutions are on the other side of the action-points. On this side, there are no solutions, no options, and not much time.
China is neighboring country and its good atleast we have one country with GOOD relation for other all we have problems. Atleast China is also helping to its neighbor build stronger in order to engage the rival enemy for mutual benefit. Pakistan is looking for its own interest and if some one is giving respect to ur speech and save ones perspective in UN Security Council to avoid threat from India, in benefit for us. Why always keep begging like beggars. What Pakistan have in our economy is Gawader Port offered to China for mutual benefit.
i wonder why Pakistan always have to act like a political party worker and not like the leader of the party itself.
@Qalander: Your facts are interesting. Where are they coming from? I would like to read more.
@CK: True That!
pls stop blaming, comparing with India in every situation. We do want Pakistanis to have good relation with us . we r historically connected, no one can deny it. I m sad that U r going to OIC, China , USA for help. U seems to obsessed with building strength vis-a-vis India. Why cant we both remain in peace? Does we need to compete or cooperate. Cooperation unleashes our strength. Remember China can help but never understand emotions. China is using our markets just to dump their products. we have already lost 65 years, should we waste more. U can think of frndship with far nations but not India, why? Never think India as evil. You r just denying reality by denying India. I am simply appealing all my Pakistani Bros and Sisters to change their attitude towards india.
It does not matter who is a 'real' friend and who is a 'real' enemy if our own country is strong. The reason we have become paranoid about who is our 'friend' and who is our 'enemy' is because we know that our country has become weaker and weaker over the last 25 years or more. Out of desperation and helplessness we look toward the external world to save us. When any country hesitates in helping us, or takes advantage of our self-created weakness, we label it as an 'enemy'. Also as a sign of weakness we are constantly looking to ally ourselves with the 'winning horse'. Why have we become weak over the past 25 years? Answer: national security state that thinks 'strength = nuclear arms and a million man colonial army', completely ignoring the fact that actually 'strength = educated, healthy population, sound economy, peace within and peace without, rule of law, federalism, social harmony'
Would you pay someone who is willing to wash your car for free everyday? Offer him some chai-biscuits, talk to him gently, pat him on his back, no kharcha.. Introduce money, raise his hopes of a reward, then there'll be trouble!
There is a story: There were kids playing Cricket outside an old man's house. Quite a nuisance. One day the old man decides to give them Rs.10 everyday for playing right in front of his house. The kids made a habit of it. This continued for a month.
One day they turn up at the door of the old man and he refuses to pay. He yells at them. The kids smarting of the denial of money, they think the old man owes them for playing in front of his house, stop playing in front of his house altogether.
What is the moral of the story?
@Virginia Guy: . You stated It is time China allows Pakistanis to immigrate to China as a sign of DEEP friendship. . This is, indeed, an Excellent Idea. . I am sure that China will grasp this Idea as "the Pakistan-China friendship is deeper than oceans; higher than mountains; stronger than steel; sweeter than honey and more precious than eyes," . This declaration of the Pakistan-China Friendship was made while the Pakistani National Day 2010 was Celebrated in Beijing. . Here is the Link : http://www.bjreview.com.cn/special/2010-03/24/content_258326.htm . Cheers
@qalander:
@qalander:
1- Chasma Power plant Good luck with that! According to Wikileaks Chinese reactors are unreliable, based on "cheap, out-of-date technology" that is "vastly increasing" the risk of nuclear accident.
2- helped Pakistn build indigneous Tanks ( Al khalid) Countries as far away as Peru own identical versions of your "indigenous" tanks. But they call such tanks MBT and they purchased them directly from China.
3- Helped Pakistan Build ingineous Planes JF 17. Full credit goes to the Dassault's Snecma M53 engine, that neither Pakistan nor China has the technology to build.
4- provided pakistan with military equipment when US and USSR both had us under sanctions. Good marketing strategy by the Chinese. Just be thankful that we won't be selling ours to Hamid Karzai anytime soon.
5- Help get us Ballistic Missile technology from N. Korea Ah yes, you got a point there! Not to mention a fission-based nuclear warhead design. But then it was a fair trade for the URENCO reprocessing technology that Abdul Qadir Khan stole from the Netherlands.
6- Bailed us out multiple times in UNSC council. Bailed us out in nuclear suppliers group. Really? As far as I know, you are still an outright pariah nation in terms of nuclear sanctions, no different than North Korea or Iran.
7- Helped Pakistan send its first space sattelite Congratulations. You are less than a decade behind space powerhouse Nigeria which has launched two more satellites than you have, better ones too.
For a start the investment figures are incorrect. Have a quick look on google, you'll see articles from stating nearly twice that level of investment in 2010 alone.
The article ignores some key points;
Yes there is a trade surplus in China's favour, but that's because China produces cheap goods that people import. The goods from the EU or USA are expensive, you can't sell as many on the Pakistani market, hence we have the trade surplus in our favour, because we can't afford their goods.
Pakistani manufacturing is crippled by power cuts and drought does the same to agriculture. We produce a great deal of not a lot. what do you export us to export? If we could get water management right and grow corn/rice etc, we could sell bucketloads to China, the same China who is buying from the US/Aus/even farming in Africa. We can't expect others to grow crops for us!
China is the best trading partner we have, it's the best political and military backer we have. Skewed figures might suggest we're better off trading with the EU or the USA, but the moment we try to express any political freedom and develop independent policies we get hit with sanctions and embargoes from them. Who in their right mind thinks that's a better environment in which to do business.
@Adil: I guess it is better to leave a message here as a Chinese. After waiting urgently watching the news in Chinese CCTV about our primer's visit to my beloved city Isb. I found this article was posted in the Chinese most popular social network by a US media. It was rather striking among the large comments from Chinese people and media on our real brother Pakistan and its kind treatment to our primer. I can never accept this article from my private feeling. As a university student, I am not quite sure about those figures and big projects. But I know figures are at most of the time something just showing on the surface, there are lots of things we can never ever measured by figures. Like our deep emotional ties among the people. I don't know how much China donated to Pakistan's flood event, big or small, I just knew that time, all my class fellow were standing outside the campus and collect donations for our Pakistani bhai. I don't know how much Pakistan means to China. I just know how much tender feelings and love aroused in my heart as well as many common Chinese when we heard the name Pakistan, we know there is a real friend standing beside us. As there is a Chinese song on Pak-China friendship, we sing "I give you our back--the vulnerable place in our body, our brother, because I trust you and I know it is you are standing back-to-back with me" I know Pakistani and most Muslim people have a very clear classification of friend and enemy. Please understand that Chinese are not thinking in this way. We are taught by our ancestor and the old philosophy that "you should treat everyone kind and keep harmony", that's why we have a all-frdindship foreign policy. But that doesn't mean we don't have our love and favorite. Sometimes we sees to ignore the closes one just because we believer that we will never apart. Please think that how much time you spent with your family and how much time you spend for working fellows around you and dealing with others your have to? Give less time to family does not mean that you don't care of them, but rather a more closer feeling.
@Adil As a Chinese people, I would say pak-jiin dosti zandabad. ham Pakistani dost se bahut muhabat karde hen!
It is time China allows Pakistanis to immigrate to China as a sign of DEEP friendship. Does Islam allow friendship with an openly kafir country that does not believe in existence of God?
I hope the moderator will publish this comment.................The world is moving into two groups....USA based and china based. russia is close to china and russia,china axis is evolving. India is firmly under russian axis and naturally china wants india to move in their axis to cement the russian china axis....china knows that pakistan has no way but to move into USA axis.....china wants afganistan as a friend and ally so it can move towards the former soviet republics and use their vast natural resources..........china is lacking in natural resources to feed its huge population and for its survival it has to expand into the vast area of former soviet states beyond afganistan..............In future we might see china invading afganistan or reducing it into a vassel state and china will do everything to prevent pakistan expanding its influence in afganistan.............china might even help afganistan in getting NW provinces and baluchistan.................when pakistan become a strong ally of USA the Pakistan based terrorist opposed to USA will wreck havoc.inside pakistan.............The only way out for pakistan is to build its economy,destroy its terrorist and terrorists supporting state actors,become friends with India and Afganistan.
This is quite a true analysis. One the economic front, China has not helped Pakistan during the most difficult times since her independence as China sees no gain in it. Chinese are investing big time in Africa, latin America and other parts of the world. Pakistan which is a great friend and neighbor, China has no money to invest in Pakistan infrastructure or in energy sector. As far as helping Pakistan in Defense sector is entirely a different reason. For Pakistan, Western countries are not willing to sell high tech weapons and if they are ready to sell, in most of the cases Pakistan does not have the money to buy. So Chinese are ready to sell their inferior defense products at high rates in which Pakistani officials take their commission also. So its a win win situation for china but Pakistan gets inferior quality products at high price. Please get realistic and do not sell your land and resources to these shrewd Chinese who are behaving like New Hindu Baniyas of old times. They are using the same tactics and will give you a little loan for your house but eventually will become owner of you house. So its crucial for Pakistan to deal with them very intelligently and ensure the national interest of Pakistan and the people of Pakistan. As there is a famous English saying, THERE IS NO FREE LUNCH, SPECIALLY CHINESE WILL NEVER OFFER, YOU HAVE TO PAY DOUBLE PRICE.
All American and Saudi Propaganda.
i think its rubbish
Dear author I don't mean you are not right but such a write up should have been supported by references to see the originol source of claims made here otherewise some times it is hard to diffentiate between claims made by Zais hamid or some one else.
Before Election one of my friend told me if Nawaz succeeded in Election The Gawadar port agreement will be cancelled and Iran Pakistan gas pipe line will be Roll back. And these two activities is the policy of USA but This time USA will not come to the front to dictate pakistan this time KSA will impose these decision through Nawaz sharif Victory. This article is the first Stone in the lake of water. The writer ignored all military and Nuclear assistance of China due to which the Pakistan is still present on world map. If Russian didn't support bashar ul asad in Syria, The fate of Syria will be same as Iraq. Iran still survived the world aggression against its country because of china and Russia. North Korea is the other example. Pakistan is not boy/ girl friend of USA just like it want to destroy Syria,Iran and North Korea it also want to disintegrate Pakistan after the fall of USSR. It is China which Guarded Pakistan. If India have no fear of China it will not allow Pakistan even for a single day. Why we ignored these facts?
@Iqbal: Dear Sir you have not answered or rebutted even one point raised by the author in his well written and factual article. Yours is an emotional out burst by calling it a propaganda. What is your answer to only point 8 billion investment by China versus 7.7 billion by USA. I wonder that those who support your out burst even understand what the writer has projected. Please read it 10 times to understand.
7.7 Billion $ really country like america its a peanut who gives tiny miny israel three billions$ a year and what they got they used pakistan as a puppy dog and your brave commander never bothers to asked any one in your country before allowing them to used the land damaged on infrustructure got worth of over ten billions, over fifty thousand innocent peoples lost there lives, country lost in revenue and investment final conclusion is that can u ever for once god sake stand up and do what u wants not others.
OK! we are being played by China. whose fault is it then? Not the Chinese off-course. Its our incompetent and insincere leadership that has left us in this pit so deep, from where we cant see anything but blurry faces of friends turning into foes.
Hats off sir! It means critical thinking is still alive in this country. We have to defeat "the Cino-Pak friendship" myth.
I hate to say this , but we are pathetic , self delusional , tend to believe that the whole world is against us where as we are the lynch pin of the world by virtue of our geographical location and our self righteousness because of being muslims would be comical if it was not so tragic . There was a time in the 60s when Pakistan was a rising star in Asia and got the attention and respect due a sovereign and responsible nation . How many of us remember the welcome that Ayub was accorded when he visited China , the chinese themselves admit that such protocol was never shown any other head of state , either before or after that visit .PIA was the first foreign airline allowed to fly over China besides air france and this is how we paid back China . In the late 70s the U S had us coat the under bellies of PIA's aircraft with nuclear sensitive paint to spy on Chinese nuclear activity which the host nation quickly discovered and told us off . During 71 when the seventh fleet never made its appearance in the Bay of Bengal , our Chinese friends opened their fighter inventory and gave us a blank cheque to fly out as many F6s as we could . Trade ? our main export today is Jihad followed closely by drugs , please forgive the Chinese if they do not take up on this , the fact is that we need to pull ourselves up if we want to march in step with the rest of the world , period .
@Green Tiger: When u fight u have to fight; no body is going to fight wars for u. There are no permament friends in politics, only permanent intersets.
Perhaps it needs to be mentioned that the Chinese offered to invest US $ 2.2 billion to modernize and expand Pakistan Steel mill during 2008-2009. The media scorned and the Chinese delegation returned home never to return. This obviously dampened the enthusiasm of other potential investors in China. We need to also appreciate China's efforts in the fields of Defense and nuclear power( where 900 megawatts are to be added within the next two years or so). May be if we can put our own house in order, we can see better results from around the world.
One more evidence of this brotherly relationship is that Pakistanis need an invitation letter or other sort of thing from someone in China to get a visa. Whereas, Indians just need to walk in and out they go with chinese visa.
In the end our nation has to build its economical base and bring peace in the country. Our friends from outside have to look after their own intests. Chinese are good friends but they the are the most cautious people when it comes to make any decision. All their moves rae calculated and counted. Surely, they do have their interests in our region. They sacrificed 3000-4000 lives in the process of building of Korakorum Highway. They have to keep peace in their southwestern soft belly and make development and progress in that region. That is close to us but is difficult to be accessed by land. How they run a train and a gas of oild pipeline at the height of 16000 feet above the sea level at Khunjrab pass? Much depends upon their will and interests. They are very practical and we are optimistic. We live on hopes but luck only helps the prepared minds. We have to work for ourselves and depend upon our own muscles and brains. We are proud to have sent 6 million or more workers abroad. They were all healthy, hardworking and tough people and as they left the country, we ahve negatively selected a workforce, whic is not willing to do much. Exodus and forced emigration of our intellect and work force is badly affecting us.Others will only do for us what they expect something to get in exchange. Optimism must be there but tooo much hope will not be helpful.
@Syedpk: " I am sure when you visit Pak you will find your notions about Pak to be completely false." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sorry, actually I form my motions about Pakistan by its actions like Kargil and Mumbai and then an absolute failure to prosecute those guilty. You may chose not to prosecute the murders of Benazir thats your choice but those who murdered 156 people on Indian soil must be punished.
Good to see pakistani people taking interest in political and economic affairs of country..........a good omen.
@ck agreed 100%. Just a friendly disclaimer, The anti India Sentiment in Pakistan is not that high as you think, while on the other hand the anti Pakistan sentiment is comparibly higher in India, (not judging you guys or anything), its cause you dont get know usyou see us through the eyes of your media, while we watch media from both countries, I am sure when you visit Pak you will find your notions about Pak to be completely false. (The above comments are based on first and second hand experiences)
@Kaleem: Higher than Himalaya or deeper than oceans, there is no oxygen to survive in either case :) I do not know if the humor was intended but i had a great laugh . Thanks
Economically it never made sense, but strategically it does, China has helped a lot in building up millitiary infrastructure, and could do a lot more, but our leadership never utilises that. Offcourse China is looking after its own interest, so should Pakistan, the free trade agreement with China that Musharraf did was nothing short of a disaster for local manufacturing, and didnt mean that much to China as well, China can easily spare Pakistan from its product since it would make a negligible effect on Chinas economy but a huge effect on Pakistans, in turn the Gwadar-Sino corridor can be offered to China which will be huge for China economically and for Pakistan cause it would help build infrastructure of the western side of PAkistan which is under developed as compared to eastern side.and also would help securing Baluchistan from international vested interests, cause now not only Pakistan but china will also have stake in there. So far we have only benefitted militiarily cause only militiary regime of Pakistan was serious in its effort, but we could easily get economical benefits from China as well, for that we would need sensible planning by authorities. Hopefully someone will knock the senses into the new regime of Pakistan.
Chinese oil companies are destroying our oil and gas fields in the name of exploration. They are using hydraulic fracturing technique that in short term increases the production however, in long run will reduce life period of the field. Due to same reasons Qadirpur gas field which used to give 14 Billion cubic gas now reduced to 4 Billion cubic feet gas.
@carefree: Also investment in more than 90% of the Cell Phone Network Industry is provided by two Chinese Manufacturers at greatly reduced rates with lots of Chinese Engineering Talents to help make Pakistan one of the most competitive priced networks in the world.
This is cheap and extrmely distrurbing journalism to bash visitor when they come to your country. We need to put some curb in terms of decency to address a friendly nation, the local media has gone out of hand, at least in making comments for other countires. Mature nations speak between the line and always respect others who are more resourceful and big. Comparing friendship with the inflow of FDI is not the real barameter in terms of Pakistan's relationship with China. Friends dont lend money or invest in other friends' ventures. They are the silent partners who help, like Chinese quitely helped Pakistan with cash resources when we were near to a collapse in terms of Forex reserves. This article of Express Tribune has now become the head lines of all the international media. What a pitty.
We should take a leaf out of China's own book and import their technology in preference to their products. Give a man a fish and he can eat for a day. Teach him to catch fish and he will eat for the rest of his life.
Pakistani journalists specialize in conducting propeganda against their own country. True that trade between China and Pakistan is low and needs more attention. But at the same one cannot ignore the fact that no country is willing to invest in Pakistan. In contrast, China is not only willing but also has contributed to Pakistan's infrastructure, nuclear develoment and defense production enormously. So Pakistanis instead of being ungrateful and raking muck over non-issues should thank God that they have a friend in China who is willing to help them.
This kind of view has been already presented b several American analysts. they dont under stand that America gives 20 billion dollar aid but it is still most disliked country in Pakistan. In contrast Chinese direct aid is minimal but Pakistanis love China. What Americans dont realise is that ordinary Pakistanis care less about aid but more about respect which America is not wiiling give us. America doesnt respect our sovreignity and it has always treated us little better than a colony. So may be Americans can learn something from China here.
@vivek: The reason for all this are the several military regimes in Pakistan who wanted to serve their own agenda.
[Disclaimer: I am from India] Ok... Whether or not China is real partner of Pak, China, in past, have helped Pakistan. Does that mean nothing? The very fact that China "uses" Pak is a bad statement. Is this article incorrect? No. It only shows some part of stark reality.
Every country in this world uses other to achieve their own agenda. Is US a friend of India? No. Is UK a friend of Japan? No. it's like saying "Every man to himself". Every country is on its own to defend their own agenda. So, the only way Pak can hold their head high in all meetings is when the economic and quality of life indicators improve.
Most countries, including India, have some worst indicators but at least they moving forward well. In case of Pak, most parameters are not moving very well. The future of Pak is in their own hands: their next generation of people. Give them good education, quality of life and employment instead of guns - the world will welcome Pak. The Pak army / govt having a perpetual hatred towards India takes it nowhere.
My 2 cents: Countries are countries and they are NOT buddies. Come out of this emotionalism about China. Higher than Himalaya or deeper than oceans, there is no oxygen to survive in either case :)
Why most of us look at darker side only? If Pakistan is so unimportant for China then why the premier is spending two days? Is he on excursion trip? Does someone realize that how important two days are for head of a country? Moves at that level are not so easy to understand. For God sake please do portary some brighter side also.
Friendship with China stands on a proverb which says "The enemy of enemy is our friends". Pakistan is over bending only due to looming danger of India (Is it real?) and China only supports Pakistan because it wants India to be entangled within South Asia and not pose any threat to China. Well apart from above motives there is nothing to count, so if you have grudge on trade pacts with China well think again. On other hand China's relationship with India and like of Japan and USA is based purely on economic gain as you know all the three countries thinks Beijing as politically anathema. Theirs regular stand-offs with China are example of it but that not withstanding all mentioned countries have Billions of Billion burgeoning trade with China. You should have asked questions from China that why they (Pakistan) on being all weather friend, iron friend and blah blah, treated almost rubbish in front of politically foe countries. The most important thing to learn from China is that the political matter should not come in the way of pure business. The basic point should be upliftment of one's poor and economic well being of its people, only then one country gains respect in world. The point to ponder is... Does Pakistan have any feelings towards its poor public and wants to gives trades, economic well beings of its public, upliftment of its poor precedence/ a chance against political gain????
Spot on sir.
the other side of the picture doesn't appear good, yet, factual.
The other side of the picture, which doesn't seem good, yet, factual.
Important to point out that the value of Chinese imports to Pakistan are much greater than official figures due to the expansive under invoicing taking place. Pretty clear who the real beneficiary of SIno Pak trade is.
Dear Writer, You have just showed us the details regarding why China is not favoring Pakistan but kindly look at the other side of the picture how many times have Pakistan stood with China??? For last 65 years we are totally on side of USA, we did everything that USA asked us and in return they gave us Chillar (coins). We have been work for US like a real faithful dog whenever they required us, kindly tell me why China should trust us for any reason??? It is quite clear that US and China are on opposite poles for several decades, moreover, we have always supported US to enter Pakistan for any reason. Well I am not favoring any country rather for me we should have our own agenda and we should stand for ourselves with respect not as slave of US or China or another country. But to show that China should favor us no matter how we act practically is not sensible. Consider a country having drone attacks at will, how much respect this country can have internationally and why should any country should have a respectful relation with this country???
There is no doubt that pak chna friendship was solely aimed to contain India.But Pakistani people need to seriously look upon the results of this bonhomie.Did china and Pakistan succeed to down India? Despite continuous efforts since 1960 ,India managed to become economic power house as well as military power.India is still growing by 6% after last year's 5.3% growth despite global recession time.It is expected to catch 8% growth in next two-three years.Now compare Pakistan's trejectory for this 50 year period.
@carefree:
If the Chinese built it and launched it for Pakistan according to you. It is still good. Beats LCA that you have been developing for ages and will continue to do so for foreseeable future.
@Hemant: "And Pakistan lets itself be used " +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Not only that Pakistan plays the game from both sides: the terrorist and the terror fighter., the arsonist and the fire fighter.Mr Hude and Dr Kayani:)
Nishan-e-Pakistan on arrival? A Visa? Then they moan there is too much corruption in Pakistan.
@Hemant: It was not used by USA who compensated i for its travels. China provides no compensation
Soon after the nuclear tests, China provided Pakistan a hefty bailout (close to 1 billion dollars) when the world turned its back on us, including Arabia. It's good to have friends in high places.
@truthbetold: Entirely agree . And Pakistan lets itself be used . The same logic had driven Pakiastan to establish similar ties with US in the past .
If these devastating power cuts let our industry run then volume of exports to China will increase .We have only a single country which outspokenly supports us in the world.. PLEASE let it be. IF there was no China in the region we wouldn't be crying to stop even Indian drone attacks in AJK
@Terry:
That's exactly what Pak Cheen dosti is all about - defence and nuclear co operation. Anyone who gives weapons to Pakistan is the best buddy. Recipe for disaster in future.
China provided us with indigenous Tanks, Jets, Satellites, Nuclear Stations.... ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ What is the meaning of indigenous?
Truth about China exposed. This is one of the very few, truthful, accurate, objective I have read in Pak media in a long time. Our people love to live in delusions, myths and when the unpalatable truth comes out, they go in a shock, it completely unnerves them, they just know how to face it. One of the readers above recounts China's help in missiles, fighter planes,arms, etc...yes thats true destructive arms is all that China gives to Pakistan to serve China's own security interests. If China had given us any useful aid, Pakistan would not be in the terrible economic shape it is- bankrupt and near the bottom of the world socio economic index...while China is speeding to the very top...It seems we will never learn
The simple point to understand is that China has done something for Pakistan which no other country would ever do and that is providing Pakistan with nuclear weapons and the missles to deliver them. Therefore the Pakistani military and civilian elite would forever remain obliged and keep bending backwards to accomodate the dragon. Pakistan-China friendship has only thing in common and that is enemity with India.
Privately the Chinese laugh when they see a country with 20 hour daily power outages +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ And corrupt politicans. BTW how much is 10 % of 500 Million RMB?
ET Mods : Both these people have written to me directly. Please allow response. @Midhat: "What does Pak China good relationship got to do with an Indian anyway."
The primary basis for China's interest in Pakistan is to keep India down. So it does have something to do with India. Secondly, pleae read my message again. I did not say anything offensive whatsoever. If you want to continue in an unequal relationship, more power to you. I simply responded to the message by @Iqbal with facts.
@truthbetold - I am not denying that Pakistan and China use each other to contain India and the defense collaboration is a perfectly good reason to partner. I was simply challenging @Iqbal's statement that Pakistan and China were in an equal relationship - the only suppor for which he could provide is that Pakistan does not get aid from China.
I have found my candidate for the Foreign Minister of the Nawaz Govt. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Mr Farooq Tirmiz! What dispassionate analysis.
What is shocking is that how ungrateful average Pakistani is towards US..... +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Burning US flags being an industry in Pakistan.
"On this trip, Premier Li described the relationship as “a tree, now exuberant with abundant fruits”. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The roots of the tree ( that suck up the nutrients) are in Pakistan and the fruits in China
ET should invite Zardari, Gilani & Hina Rabbani Khar to respond to the contents of this article. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ They are the one who build up the charade that China is Pakistans biggest supporter. I remember Zaradi one wanted to visit China every month..... Kudos to the author and ET for calling a spade a spade.
"View from McLeod Road: Why the Sino-Pak alliance is economically worthless" ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ For me the bigger question is where is McLeod Road? Who was Mcleod and how did he forecast that China is a platonic friend?
If Express Tribune for once prints my opinion I would be grateful to these mighty lords of the print media.
To the author, don't blame China for our own lack of strategic thinking. If anything, Chinese are not in the habit of giving aid. They typically either like joint ventures or build basic infrastructure to get other countries going. Secondly, as an investor, my goal is not to give charity, rather see a good return on my investment. This is how business is done by the Chinese and the sooner our sentimental fools in the government learn this, the better it will be.
Pakistan's problem is the we are forever beholden to the zero sum game. Its all or nothing when it comes to our silly love which means very little in the world of Geo-politics.
We should have solid objectives based relations, even if they are tilted in China's favour, so we can use them as leverage as and when needed. We should also make sure that our relations with the Chinese are not at the expense of the Americans. They both should be handled carefully, thoughtfully with the long term strategy in mind. Both the Chinese and the Americans have helped us yet the thanks is always limited to the Chinese.
Here I do not want to suggest that Chinese support has been limited. Like that of the Americans', it traverses economic, military and geo-political areas. At the end of the day, its up to us to drive a better bargain from all of our partners. The donkeys in our government need to realize that we have to offer something worth value to the other side to be able to gain from the other side.
@carefree:
I am sorry to hurt your sentiments by getting it all wrong. Here are some facts which I have to admit, I totally overlooked.
1- Chasma Power plant is actually our own innovation and result of hard work of our engineers. Chinese has nothing to do with it.
2- Al-khalid was also actually built by us with the help of our friend USA and china has very little or nothing to do with it. True, we don't have any military complex. All tanks are made in Milwake and then transported to Pakistan in utmost secrecy.
3- JF 17 is also our own invention. true, we bought engines from other countries and avionics from other countries. But that's how majority of the plane making industry works in the world. But Chines have nothing to do with it. They are happy to import "our plane".
Sorry again for my mistakes. Will rectify others later on.
China is a true Ally and US a True Satan +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ By not throwing a penny China is helping Pakistan become se3lf reliant. And by throwing billions US is destroying Pakistans self reliance. In any case as Zardari has said again and again, Pakistns policy is Trade and not Aid.
@wasim: Every country is its on best friend .
@Green Tiger:
It's proven beyond even unreasonable doubt that you are ignorant of both politics and history.
@qalander: Since China has done so much for Pakistan, may be Pakistan do something good for China too like releasing the Chinese prisoner, who was just caught in PoK, and make sure he reaches his country safely.
Reply to Mr. Farooq Tirmiz,above article Truth is this.China helped and developed Pakistan,in following subjects 1-Pakistani nuclear plants in Chashma etc 2- Pakistan nuclear arms,cruise missiles, missile /nuclear program, 3-JF Thunder,many other planes 4- Satellite programs 5-New Al khalid tank 6- Sandak copper program which has been terrorised and stopped by >>> 7- Most of conventional arms development. 8- computer technology and products.
Indeed China is only country who helped Pakistan in every field.China took Gawader Port to save Pakistan from NATO who want to separate Balochistan and Karachi from Pakistan..
Well said. As per realist perspectives,nations only pursue their own foreign policy goals. Pakistan needs to come out of euphoria, be it illusionary bond with Islamic countries, china, or someone else.
Hey Mr. Farooq Tirmizi: It's encouraging to see a realistic analysis - an eye opener, really. Problem is, as a nation, we are both naïve as well as romantic.
*very well written article; in deed showing us the other side of story. The true friends of the people of Pakistan are Americans and Europeans who despite knowing the face that out so-called leaders are corrupt never stop helping us. A friends in need is a friend indeed. US and Europeans have had helped us more than any other country in the world including out so-called friend China when the people in Pakistan really needed it. Who came first in the aftermath of floods and earth quake in the country? It was US. We should not discards China from out friendship list but we should change the way we fantasize out relationship with that country. *
Right on. Pakistanis do live in make believe world. Most of China relation was based on its help to carry out its nuclear explosions.
Why are people so jealous of our friendship? This is obviously an American and Indian paid piece - close ties with China scare them. China has supported thru all problems. Pakistani food and fabric is famus all over Beijing. No matter what, Chinese will support us. Long live Pak China friendship.
The thing is that our urban elite spends its life trying to get money or admission in western universities and once they return after graduation, having found no jobs because of their lack of effort, they floant their western exposure in Pakistan and hijack the discourse by condemning everything that is not American. there are serious psychological issues underlying their insistence that it's all or nothing - nothing of value is to be attained from china or Malaysia or uae etc. I feel sorry for this lot.
@qalander:
All that you listed were not donated free by china. Pakistan has to pay for these in hard cash.
Just in more detail, if you care to read ;-)!!!
http://www.firstpost.com/world/li-in-pakistan-china-talks-sweet-but-doesnt-want-to-be-sugar-daddy-805327.html
@qalander: you say that china "helped Pakistn build indigenous Tanks"
are you not contradicting yourself in the same sentence?!!! ;)
I read the article and comments. It disappointed me. China gave Chasma I,II and III. What about thunder aircrafts. If Railway minister gives wrong specifications of Railway engines and they fail, who is reposible. China or first the General Sahib and Bhai Bilor.The export -Import business is in private hands every where. Our business class prefers to be politicians and lgetting fatter day by day. So who will xport and or produce an exportable goods. For example we do not have a modren ceramic tile manufactring same is with stone. China is importing many such items from Iran. We do not any thing worth while to export to China except terrorists. Sandak project is mentioned. A corrupt , in effecient government in Baluchistan and even in Centre such thing was bound to happen. When our officers visit Sandak they lie down (ondhay).It is ineffeciant beurocracy, govet reposible. Please correct yourself. Have you forgotten gold minning aggrements signed by us and only supreme court came out to stop this planned loot
Friendship with China cannot be downplayed no matter how much you bring up statistics. West has been developed since 18th century, naturally they would be the first one to invest in any country, what with their vast amount of industries and firms. Whereas for China, it has just started developing after 1980s. They are a manufacturing powerhouse so obviously many countries will have trade deficit with them. Did you accidentally miss out numerous nuclear reactors they are working on?
Although i do agree that we need to be more grateful to west.
After reading the article and the comments made by my fellow Pakistanis, I decided to share some insights. In the real world of international politics, no one is your friend. All countries are looking out for their own interests and want to be friends with countries who are doing well. Foreign policies are not made on ideologies (unlike Pakistan) but on economic needs and strategic economic interests.
The arab/muslim countries have all the money in the world and they are supposedly muslim brothers as well - why don't they help Pakistan, Egypt and Yemen out of their economic mess? Afterall it will only take $20 to $30bn in sorting the mess out in these impoverished countries . But my friends, there are no free lunches anywhere in the world - neither western countries nor rich Islamic countries would help you for free - they all are looking for deals!!
So rather than asking for loans, we should invite them to co invest with us in our energy, mining, agri and all other sectors where we need investments. It is not that difficult and Chinese have too much money but don't have enough investment opportunities to park their capital efficiently - as you all know - they are earning a negative real return on $1.8tn parked in US Treasuries!
Don't pin your hopes on others helping you out - believe in yourself and work hard - God will help us out.
Pakistan Zindabad
@Mad-Paki: The author is not blaming China. Simply making the point that the delusions of special relationship with China are not grounded in facts. @qalander: "6- Bailed us out multiple times in UNSC council. Bailed us out in nuclear suppliers group."
Please provide reference.
3- Helped Pakistan Build ingineous Planes JF 17.
The author has already addressed this issue in his post.
The other issues you stated are certainly examples of a partnership. But if supplying you arms for money is an example of higher, taller sweeter then US should be highest, tallest , sweetest because it supplies these things for free on many occasions. Take the relationship for what it is i.e.partnership based on a desire to keep India at bay. IT is no more and no less. When China's need for needling India reduces, relationship will change - just as it happened when US no longer needed you to keep USSR at bay.
I Agree with Mad-Paki. Its not China
s fault. Its our fault, we are always ready with the begging bowl since our Generals and Politicians always eat away everything and do not leave anything for people. Even now, we dont leave our slave mentality and run after china, thats the problem.. What`s common between China and Pakistan? We are just opposites with them.. They are non believers and we are believers. we should stop the slave mentality and work honestly, pay taxes and lead a good life., rather than run behind the rich countries with a begging bowl. Its time to change.. .Pakistan needs to stop looking for friends in Godless, Communist China or in Arabia with whom they have nothing in common other than subservient display of religious piety to them. Nor need it go to far of US and UK.
Pakistan's real brothers are here - in India and in Bangladesh. Together and with progressive policies, we can take on anybody in the world!!!
Unbelievable. I hope the above article is not true, because most Pakistanis look at China as a God send, and the USA as the Great Satan. "The reality is that Pakistan means almost nothing to China ...... " is absolutely chilling if it is true. We need to know the truth about China, and who our friends are. So far, it's all turning out to be fairy tales and Alice in Wonderland stories. Can we please know and face the harsh realities, otherwise we will wake up, with grim reapers and murderous monsters looking down on us....laughing at our fool hardiness and blind trust. Meanwhile, the Taliban have killed 50,000 Pakistanis and we want to negoiate with them. Raymond Davis kills two robbers and we don't want to talk to USA for years. Having worshipped China for over 50 years, now we're told "Pakistan means almost nothing to China ......" What is what, who is who?
@Gp65:
"Why only China?"
Answer, five letters: NUKES!
Ir Pakistan must have very good relations with all our Neighbors this must be absolute priority including India, Russia we must have Very Strong Military Relations with Ir Iran our future is in Asia and ECO countries
@Pakistani Ostrich:
"One thing to add to your otherwise excellent write-up is during the floods and earthquakes the west and USA (our enemies :D) helped us way more than the our friend china."
Even India contributed a lot more than China.
@qalander Here is what China has done for Pakistan: 1- Chasma Power plant You think you got that for free? Is the power plant under operation how much electricity is generated anyway to ease Pakistan's energy crisis? 2- helped Pakistn build indigneous Tanks ( Al khalid) You got be kidding right? Pakistan doesn't have the military industrial complex. Yes may be they might have provided you some spare parts, but do you think the tank was built right from the drawing board? 3- Helped Pakistan Build ingineous Planes JF 17. again another non sensical claim. Where do you think you got the engine from?(remember there are only few countries who mastered Jet engine technology and that does not include China). Where do you think avionics came from? 4- provided pakistan with military equipment when US and USSR both had us under sanctions. USSR or Russia will never provide you military equipment given its proximity with India, but really USA? What about F-16s and P-8I orions? Do you know how much Pakistani military loves US military equipment if not for China? 5- Help get us Ballistic Missile technology from N. Korea Good finally you got this one right. 6- Bailed us out multiple times in UNSC council. Bailed us out in nuclear suppliers group. shed information on this 7- Helped Pakistan send its first space sattelite lol Pakistan doesn't even have a SLV let alone the infrastructure to build a satellite.It was Chinese who built the satellite for you and they launched it for you.
Totally agree with the Author
A living example of pak-china relationship ---JF-the fighter jet, what a stupid writer and has been given top slot on the website....pak has to deal with its own problems, we shudnt expect to be spoon fed even from china
The bilateral trade between china and Pakistan is 12 billion as stated by official sources. our cooperation has resulted in military cooperation that has been withheld by The NATO alliance and other western partner such as the US UK and EU this include ballistic missile technology up-gradation of tanks and indigenous production of fighter jets that give strategic depth to Pakistan's position in the region. moreover we recently switched to Chinese satellite systems for civilian and military use in tracking logistic and warfare reducing our reliance on US based GPS that is unreliable in the time of war. Gawadar port which if capitalized according to its original strategic aim could bring development and property in the south western regions of Pakistan while providing China with an all weather port to develop it on western regions bordering pakistan which are economically deprived. lastly the most important aspect of Sino-Pak relationship is to act as a counterweight against opposing forces from the US and NATO alliance that has favored India in establishing Bilateral ties cooperating on Strategic matters such as access to Nuclear technology and supply of Millitary equipment that has been denied to Pakistan.
Propeganda at its best. Author is using only two years data to create a stir. Truth is that in past five years even Pakistanis have taken their money abroad so why blame Chinal
"In the 12-year period between July 2000 and June 2012, net foreign investment in Pakistan amounted to about $29 billion, according to the State Bank of Pakistan. Of that, just $0.8 billion came from China, and nearly all of that was China Mobile’s investment in Zong."
This shows that China has no real economic interests in China.
A look at the numbers suggests that the Islamabad-Beijing relationship has had very little benefit for Pakistan as whole.
That is an incorrect conclusion. Pakistan has benefited enormously in the nuclear area. China gave Pakistan nuke bomb design and actually tested Pakistan's first bomb.
The harsh reality is that Pakistan means almost nothing to China, and that is why the relationship with Beijing has yielded almost no tangible benefits for the Pakistani economy.
China is not like the western country that dole out free money. China doesn't believe in free aid. So, that part is correct. However, Pakistan does mean something to China when it comes to containing India. The only and primary reason for China's covert and overt support for Pakistan has been underpinned by China's strategic interest of preventing India from becoming an economic and military power.
To author and everyone beating up on China.
Is it china's fault that our economy is in decline? Is it china's fault that we cant provide security to our own citizens let alone foreign investors? Is it china's fault the there is so much corruption and our economic policies are a joke? Is it china's fault that we have a crippling energy crises?
I think it is very easy to forget all these and start blaming others for our mistakes.
FDI has declined sharply in past five years because of energy shortages, mismanagement and security concerns. It is not China's fault every other country is risk averse.
Chinese PM came with permission of our government. They could have told Chinese to wait until after the new government is incharge. MOUs is what you get when you dont your home work properly.
Saying that China is not inetersted in solid economic relationship is a shabby attempt to blame others for our own failures.
We should be grateful that at least Chinese keep coming and helping us with various infrastructure projects and military hardware.
The fighter jet escort....the awarding of the highest medal...love is in full bloom. The "higher than mountains, sweeter than honey" song is still to come. Please don't kill the romance so soon.
@entropy
Agreed. Look at the timing. Seem to be working for US, India and Israel. People are so jelous of our friendship with China.
I have yet to see a more trashy wrote up on Pak-sino relationship. Perhaps he is unaware of one basic principle of any relationship that it is two way traffic. Each partner has to give something tangible and concrete to get something in return and Pakistan being a client state with begging bowel in hand has been getting even more from China than it deserved. Now the country is on the threshhold of an era when it may correct its direction to move on the path of economic progress. It is a moronic to compare Pakistan with India and expecting the same treatment meted to it by other countries.I think it is about time that mentality of Royal beggar is abandoned so that such impish points of view are avoided.
Thankyou for an honest opinion.
Spot on! Bravo for taking on this illusion that the Chinese are our "All weather friends". Your facts are un-challengable. We have a bag full of un-matured MOU's only in the energy sector signed by the PPP government alone. Lots of promises and zero delivery. Now again we are being promised assistance in the energy sector. Was China sleeping under the rock last five years? The only project completed successfully was the Gwadar Port, for its vested interests. Almost all construction projects being constructed by (below par Chinese Contractors) are in trouble and the government is suffering huge losses. As a nation we need to improve our negotiation skills with our 'friends' be it US OR CHINA.
China is extending itself to developing countries in general in a knowledge sharing hub. Pakistan had advantage to learn from China before. And why is Pakistan not doing it now. http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/2012/11/27/china-world-bank-group-launch-new-knowledge-hub-to-provide-solutions-reducing-poverty?cid=EXTTWBND_EXT China and World Bank Group Launch New Knowledge Hub to Provide Solutions for Reducing Poverty They can learn how to grow manufacturing with SMEs. They can learn how vast urban systems create foundation for economic development. If Pakistan has not benefitted from China as much as expected it is because it has not made an effort to learn. Why should Pakistan need FDI? See how Zhejiang manufacterers developed with use of migrant funds. Pakistan is a major migrant funds recipient and has little to show for it.
If China was a such a great friend, we would have made plenty of progress. If PML-N and PPP were good parties, we could also have made progress. We need to shake things things up and that doesn't neccessarily mean that we go sit in the USA's lap. Pakistan needs to make decisions that are good for them, just like China and US and India do for themselves.
We should make every decision on merit.
@Iqbal: Equal partners? What kind of protocol does your leadership get when they visit China? You gave them Nishane Pakistan just for showing up.
If the absence of aid is a good thing then pretty much all other countries besides US, UK, KSA should be higher, deeper, sweeter. Why only China?
@ Author. Here is what China has done for Pakistan:
1- Chasma Power plant 2- helped Pakistn build indigneous Tanks ( Al khalid) 3- Helped Pakistan Build ingineous Planes JF 17. 4- provided pakistan with military equipment when US and USSR both had us under sanctions. 5- Help get us Ballistic Missile technology from N. Korea 6- Bailed us out multiple times in UNSC council. Bailed us out in nuclear suppliers group. 7- Helped Pakistan send its first space sattelite
What else you need? Additinally, China does not send drones on our borders. It does not humiliate us in international or national press.
About Business? Business is always 2 sided game. What do we manufacture in our country that China does not do at a cheaper rate itself ? If we really want to do business with China or any other country we need to manufacture things that those countries need.
So please stop your propaganda.
While I agree that the author has cherry-picked his facts... why is it that any alternative narrative in Pakistan is met by disdainful rhetoric like that of Iqbal above....
Why can't we Pakistanis defend any arguments with facts; case in point being the response above which does not counter with any factual information but rather simply mouth-offs a supposed anti imperialist, anti -western stance with no grounding in any alternate evidence to support itself.
Bravo. It takes guts to argue against deeply held notions, however baseless they are. China is a superficial friend and a busniess parter, and nothing more. It is time that the Pakistani politicians and public develop some self-respect, and see the relationship in realistic terms.
We expect them to be our friend and do nothing for our selves no country would come to us in the world if we do not solve our internal issues by our selves. Just as an example we can say that if i involve my friend in every affair in my house initially he will help me to solve it but if he het to know that i myself am not interested to solve the issue a time will come when friend will understand that instead of friendship i am a liability to him.
So what i mean instead of saying china anything first try to solve our homegrown issues by our self. China wants to be our friend and not our master. I ask my country men that figures mentioned do not represents the real potential of our past and present relation.
The reality is that the country that you hate the most is the country that provides you with the most trade, most gifts, has interceded on your behalf to provide international loans, and even pressured India when your wars of aggression turned sour. Your dependence on the West is so great that if they quit sending purchase orders your economy would collapse - death by indifference.
"..Pakistan almost nothing, and this two-day trip is really only being made by the Chinese premier to avoid slapping Islamabad in the face completely, after having made his first trip abroad a three-day visit to India, in a key signal about the real shifts in Chinese foreign policy..."
Contrast reaction of kahkis,media and ghairat brigade to this obvious slap by chinese premier to what the reaction is usually like, when a dignitary from USA or west does the same! We are too emotinal in this sloganeering based friendship with china that has yet to deliver noticeable benefit for us!
Very thought provoking. As Former US diplomat Henry Kissinger once said, "No country has true friends, only interests." In the past, China saw more self interest in a better relationship with Pakistan than India, now the situation is strictly Business Based. The China-India "business" relationship, should be of not much concern for average Pakistanis, how will it affect them? Instead Pakistanis should focus on developing the country a level where not only Chinese will rush to invest but all other countries of the world will look to Pakistan as a "business friendly" country. In today's world, trade and business supersedes the "friendship" and other cozy relationships. Look at China-Japan trade, it is in Hundreds of Billion of US dollars, yet they don't focus on "friendship" terminology, in fact many people in both countries mutually distrust each other, due to WWII treatment of Chinese people by Japanese soldiers. But this does not deter the "business" relationship. Another example is US-China "Business" relationship. I live in US and know, many people don't see China in a friendly manner, yet the Americans are the Largest Trading partner of China. So, Pakistan should keep in mind, "Business" is the key term. All other well wishing, terms are just political hog wash, and to fool the people of a great Nation such as Pakistan. Pakistan should focus on developing its own Industries and business, seek help from wherever possible, develop as many electric dams as possible, using as many natural resources of Pakistan, Hydro, Coal, etc. When the economy is on the strong footing, the whole world will see Pakistan as a "business" friendly destination, and invest hundreds of billions of dollars, along with Trade / Exports of Pakistan fetching Hundreds of Billions of dollars, which it is perfectly capable of doing.
totally disagree with this article. trying to prove USA is our real friend. which is not reality..
An excellent article. Not just economics, china never intervened during our wars with India. Neither when Bangladesh was lost, nor when Siachen or during kargil war. Even Musharraf went to china requesting help during kargil conflict, but China didnt come to support. Had china supported, kargil & the heights would have been ours.
After all, blood is thicker than water & only Muslim nations supported Pakistan. The recent OIC declaration on human rights issues in Kashmir is one example. This article is an eye opener to all of us. Thanks ET.
The writer's state of mind is laughable. He has chosen to ignore many achievement that have been heralded because of Pak cheen dosti specially in the field of defence and nuclear technology. The great satan did provide some big $$$ but we had to pay a heavy price for that. And that were too for proteecting its vested interests. The Afghan war and war on terror, pakistani paid with their blood and still paying, the klashinkofs and heroine are all product of this unholy friendship with the great satan.
This article is nothing but an attempt to undermine the importance of Pak cheen dosti. Could the writer explain why America stopped from cooperating with Pakistan after 1965 and early 80's and all aid was suspended. Because it did not need Pakistan. With US it always has been a friendship of convenience, but with China an all weather alliance.
absolutely spot on
higher than mountains, deeper than oceans, stronger than steel and sweeter than honey
Yusuf Raza Gilani ! one suggestion to you, WHY DO NOT TO YOU GO TO CHINA to enjoy that honey? I assure you, I will not stop you in doing so and millions more will endorse my this suggestion. Gilani !! think of this very seriously, before Chinese refuse you a Visa.
Beautifully exposed a naked reality, bravo. But will anybody give a thought, is a question of worth of millions.
WoW ! Candor and reality !!
Excellent piece! I have been posting comments on articles related to pak-china friendship with similar arguments. While dealing with china we have to look out for "what's in it for me?", without falling in love with sloganeering. P.S. One thing to add to your otherwise excellent write-up is during the floods and earthquakes the west and USA (our enemies :D) helped us way more than the our friend china. So far, China has been our BFWB (Best Friend Without Benefits)! I hope we become FWB.
Well written opinion piece. Ask any recently migrated Chinese person in the west about Pakistan, some do not even know of the country. That should tell you where Pakistan stands in a common Chinese man's eyes. In agreement with the author, Pakistan & Pakistanis should wake up from this delusional thought of China being our best friend. China is making bigger deals with India and Afghanistan than Pakistan. They are only doing deals for themselves, India knows barter much better than Pakistan. Here is to hoping our nation wakes up and stops begging others for things as opposed to building a mutually beneficial relationship. Look up Turkey as an example.
china is not pakistan's friend anymore. Thanks to tribune.com.pk that they explained this to us.
Wish the author would have been a bit more realistic in trying to prove what he is trying to i.e that China has not helped/invested in Pakistan as much as other countries have. He seems to have over played his un realistic argument so much that it is seems that the same countries which he is trying to prove has invested more in Pakistan - seem to have also invested in him. Well he does not have to take it personally as there are many others.
So true , good article. People need to realize that we are alone and we have potential to survive on our own and with internal resources, everything is just business so come out of this notion that China, Saudia Arabia etc our best friends, in this time and age it is all about economy, trade and business. Pay your taxes, remove corruption and invest in education, transport and infrastruture, every other country would be at our door step....and yes be Honest to this country and one another.
$12 billion yearly trade is not nothing. Even if that trade is in favour of China it still means that a lot of people are employed in Pakistan in businesses that import and sell Chinese goods. Pakistanis consumers enjoy the benefits of consuming those goods.
India-China trade is also in favour of China. Obviously China is a manufacturing powerhouse and most countries have trade deficits with China.
Even though article smells like pro-American but still provides pretty straight facts. Only thing I would like to add here is that its not China which has played us but its our own failure in foreign policy which has let China use us like a tissue paper and its not just China but every other so called friend and not so much friend
Why is this bad-tempered opinion piece the leading story in this paper in the middle of a state visit to the country by the leader of a world power and a major ally?
Spot on!
In additon, Chinease manufactueres are big time using Pakistan like other struggling asian economies a dumping ground of sub standarad products! This also is leading to distruction of many small medium size manufacturing companies.
Every country has its own agenda, and China is no different! We need to come out of this illusion that china is our best friend - the reality is that in this new world their are no friends just strategic partners or leverages!
Pakistan should stop itself from being used/mis-used - lets see how the coming years can help us come out of hole we have dug for our self.
Pakistan Zindabad
Absolutely spot on.
Oh you heartless author ++++++++++++++++++++ You could have waited till the feel great factor was diluted.......
Oh wow, that was quick! Here comes another propaganda to convince people against Gwadar and China cooperation. Pakistan should continue to beg from US and EU... oh yeah and now KSA, but self-reliance and cooperation as equal partners with China, no way!