Pakistn China Relationship

shipPAKISTAN CHINA RELATIONSHIP China–Pakistan relations began in 1950 when Pakistan was among the first countries to break relations with the Republic of China on Taiwan and recognize the PRC. Relations between Pakistan and China are very brotherly. Following the 1962 Sino-Indian War, both countries have placed considerable importance on the maintenance of an extremely close and supportive relationship. Since then, the two countries have regularly exchanged high-level visits resulting in a variety of agreements.

The PRC has provided economic, military and technical assistance to Pakistan and each considers the other a close strategic ally. Today, Pakistan and China have immense reservoir of goodwill and soft power. The legendary friendship between Pakistan and China is palpable in the Pakistani and Chinese street and in the majestic halls of governments. Over the years, the unique friendship between Pakistan and China has transformed into a strong strategic partnership, robust economic cooperation and ever increasing people to people contacts. This relationship is based on trust, understanding and common aspirations for peace and progress.

The warmth and enthusiasm in the relations resonates in the hearts of the people of the two countries and is fed by the constant stream of their respective civilizations. Chinese cooperation with Pakistan has reached economic high points, with substantial Chinese investment in Pakistani infrastructural expansion including the Pakistani deep-water port at Gawadar. Both countries have an ongoing free trade agreement. Pakistan has served as China’s main bridge between Muslim countries. Pakistan also played an important role in bridging the communication gap between China and the West by facilitating the 1972 Nixon visit to China.

Usually Pakistani and Chinese leaders and people use six expressions to describe this unique relationship: it is higher than the mountains, deeper than the oceans, sweeter than honey, and stronger than steel. It is also an all-weather and time-tested relationship. “All-Weather and Time-Tested” “I should like to make it clear beyond all doubt that we have friendly relations with the People’s Republic of China and that nothing will be permitted in any way to endanger those relations. Our relations with China are an independent factor in our foreign policy and not contingent on any other.

In the best interests of Pakistan, we shall maintain the spirit of goodwill, friendship and cordiality with the great People’s Republic of China. I declare that our friendship with China is not tainted by any form of bargain or barter. It is steadfast amity between two neighboring Asian States”. (Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, 1962) “Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize New China. Ever since our diplomatic relations began in 1951, we have enjoyed mutual understanding, respect, trust and support and our friendship and cooperation have flourished. We are truly good neighbours, close friends, trusted partners and dear brothers”. President Hu Jintao, Islamabad, 24 November 2006). Partners for Progress and Development “In recent years, China-Pakistan business ties have seen strong growth, becoming an important driving force of our relations. The Free Trade Agreement between China and Pakistan marks the success in the negotiations on establishing a free trade area. It will go a long way in upgrading China-Pakistan business ties. The two countries also signed the Five Year Development Programme on Trade and Economic Cooperation – a blueprint for accelerating their economic cooperation and trade in the future.

The Chinese government encourages leading Chinese companies to take Pakistan as a priority destination of investment and supports them in undertaking construction projects, opening factories and conducting research and development in Pakistan. China will strengthen win-win cooperation with Pakistan in key areas such as energy and resources development, information technology, infrastructure and agriculture to give full play to our cooperative strength” (President Hu Jintao, Islamabad, 24 November 2006). Diplomatic relations

Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China were established on 21 May 1951, shortly after the defeat of the Republic of China in 1949. While initially hesitant towards the idea of a Communist country on its borders, Pakistan hoped that China would serve as a counterweight to Indian influence. India had recognized China a year before, and Indian Prime Minister Nehru also hoped for closer relations with the Chinese. However, with escalating border tensions leading to the 1962 Sino-Indian war, China and Pakistan aligned with each other in a joint effort to counter perceived Indian encroachment.

One year after China’s border war with India, Pakistan ceded the Trans-Karakoram Tract to China to end border disputes and improve diplomatic relations. Military relations The People’s Republic of China enjoys strong defense ties with Pakistan. This relationship between two adjoining Asian countries is important in the world’s geo-strategic alliances. The strong defense ties are primarily to counter regional Indian and American influence, and were also to repel Soviet influence in the area. In recent years this relationship has strengthened through ongoing defense projects and agreements between Pakistan and China.

China also fully supported Pakistan in its 1965 war against India. Chinese pressure on India enabled Pakistan to accept ceasefire in a better position than it would have been. The Chinese were of less help in the 1971 war as the Soviets had agreed to deal with China, if it helped Pakistan. However, soon after the war China wrote off some of the loans it had given to Pakistan. Since 1962, China has been a steady source of military equipment to the Pakistani Army, helping establish armaments factories, providing technological assistance and modernizing existing facilities.

China and Pakistan are involved in several projects to enhance military and weaponry systems, which include the development of the Chinese tailor made for Pakistan JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft, K-8 Karakorum advance training aircraft, a tailor made training aircraft for the Pakistan Air Force based on the Chinese domestic Hongdu L-15, space technology, AWACS systems, Al-Khalid tanks, which China granted license production and tailor made modifications based on the initial Chinese Type 90 and/or MBT-2000.

The Chinese has designed tailor made advanced weapons for Pakistan, making it a strong military power in the Asian region. The armies have a schedule for organizing joint military exercises. China has offered Pakistan military aid in order to fight against terrorism in Pakistan. Pakistan has purchased military equipment from China in order to boost their efforts against such extremists. Economic relationship: Economic trade between Pakistan and China is increasing at a rapid pace and a free trade agreement has recently been signed.

Military and technological transactions continue to dominate the economic relationship between the two nations, although in recent years China has pledged to vastly increase their investment in Pakistan’s economy and infrastructure. Among other things, China has been helping to develop Pakistan’s infrastructure through the building of power plants, roads and communication nodes. Current trade between both countries is at $9 billion, making China the second largest trade partner of Pakistan.

The economic relationship between Pakistan and China is composed primarily of Chinese investment in Pakistani interests. China’s increasing economic clout has enabled a wide variety of projects to be sponsored in Pakistan through Chinese credit. Pakistani investment in China is also encouraged and cross-border trade remains fluid. In 2011 China Kingho Group canceled a $19 billion mining deal because of security concerns. PAKISTAN CHINA TRADE