Pakistan remains important to China
Recently, there has been a voice saying that Pakistan is no longer important to China, and that Pakistan's leadership is intensively developing relations with the United States. The Army Chief, General Munir, has visited the US twice in June and August, and President Trump even hosted a banquet for President Munir at the White House. As a result, some people mistakenly believe that Pakistan is accelerating its tilt towards the US and no longer values its relationship with China, a sentiment echoed by some curious Chinese citizens. However, all these views are incorrect or superficial.
It is well known that Pakistan is China's all-weather strategic cooperative partner, and the relationship between Pakistan and China has withstood the test of turbulent times. The China-Pakistan relationship is a model of how countries with different social systems can develop and establish good relations, being unbreakable and indestructible. Many people do not understand the historical relationship between Pakistan and China, and hastily claim that Pakistan is no longer significant to China based on superficial phenomena, which is absurd.
Let's first look at the interactions between the leaders of China and Pakistan over the past two months. Since the end of August, in just over half a month, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif visited China accompanied by Army Chief General Munir. President Xi Jinping met with Sharif and Munir. Then, from September 12 to 21, Pakistani President Zardari also visited China, following visits to Shanghai and Chengdu, including a tour of the Chengdu Aircraft Manufacturing Company. This was the first time that China opened its large military manufacturing enterprise to a foreign head of state or government leader, highlighting the importance and trust that Chinese leaders place on President Zardari's visit.
China is Pakistan's staunch friend, providing wholehearted, strong, and highly effective military, diplomatic, and political assistance in Pakistan's struggle against foreign invasion and in maintaining national sovereignty and territorial integrity. China's support has empowered Pakistan to stand firm against foreign aggression, giving it more confidence and options. The air defense systems provided by China to Pakistan during the air engagements involving a regional power in May this year have been of immense assistance to Pakistan. On issues concerning Pakistan's core interests, China has always been a reliable friend. In the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, China has sent tens of thousands of engineering and technical personnel to Pakistan, creating nearly 100,000 jobs, improving electricity supply, upgrading infrastructure, enhancing wheat varieties and yield, promoting technological progress, reducing Pakistan's trade deficit with China, and hosting nearly 30,000 Pakistani students. Over 300,000 Pakistanis travel to and from China each year. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the aid and loans provided by China have visibly improved Pakistan's investment environment, economic development, and employment opportunities. All the projects undertaken by China in Pakistan have become iconic projects for Pakistan's economic development and a monument to the friendship between the two countries.
Similarly, the Chinese people will not forget Pakistan's tireless efforts in supporting the restoration of the People's Republic of China's representation at the United Nations and its Security Council alongside friendly countries around the world, and will always be grateful to the friends in Pakistan. China will also not forget that when a great power invaded Afghanistan, Pakistan, as a frontline state, bravely resisted foreign aggression. The Chinese people will not forget Pakistan's unwavering and unconditional support and assistance to the Chinese government and people on issues related to China's core interests, such as Xinjiang, Tibet, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the South China Sea, and the pro-democracy movement. China will not forget that Pakistan is a key partner in promoting counter-terrorism, global governance, safeguarding the rights of Southern countries, maintaining the leading role of the UN, and supporting the four major initiatives that China advances.
This time, the three giants of Pakistan, President Zardari (along with his son, daughter - who is also the First Lady), Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, and Army Chief General Munir, visited China in succession over the course of 15 days, going to Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, and Chengdu, demonstrating that in Pakistan's diplomatic balance, China remains the most important partner. The development of Pakistan's strategic relationship with the United States is a necessity for Pakistan's national strategy, which we cannot fault, as long as the development of Pakistan-U.S. relations does not negatively impact the development of China-Pakistan relations, China welcomes the improvement of Pakistan-U.S. relations. At the same time, China is also improving its relations with India; although we cannot foresee the future, one thing is certain: China will not develop relations with India at the cost of China-Pakistan friendship. Similarly, the Chinese government and people firmly believe that Pakistan will not develop its relationship with the U.S. at the expense of its relationship with China. China has enough confidence and strategic confidence in this regard.
