People's Republic of China – Pakistan relations

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China-Pakistan relations

People's Republic of China–Pakistan relations refers to bilateral relationship that began in 1950 when
Pakistan was among the first countries to break relations with the Republic of China on Taiwan and
recognise the PRC. Following the 1962 Sino-Indian War, Pakistan's relations with the PRC became
stronger and extremely close; 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 or
aid to Pakistan and both of them consider as a strategic ally.

Bilateral relations have evolved from an initial Chinese policy of sympathy and support for the creation
of a independent homeland for the Muslims of South Asia in 1947 to an unusual partnership that links a
small but militarily powerful Pakistan, dependent on China for its economic and military strength, with
China trying to balance competing interests in the region. Diplomatic relations were established in 1950,
military assistance began in 1966, a strategic alliance was formed in 1972 and economic co-operation
began in 1979.

The relationship has been described by Hu Jintao as "higher than the mountains and deeper than
oceans". Favourable relations with China have been a pillar of Pakistan's foreign policy. China strongly
supported Pakistan's opposition to Soviet Union involvement in Afghanistan and was perceived by
Pakistan as a regional counterweight to India. China and Pakistan also share a close military relation,
with China supplying a range of modern armaments to the Pakistani defence forces. China supports
Pakistan's stance on Kashmir while Pakistan supports China on the issues of Xinjiang, Tibet, and Taiwan.
Lately, military cooperation has deepened with joint projects producing armaments ranging from fighter
jets to guided missile frigates. Chinese cooperation with Pakistan has reached high economic points with
substantial investment from China in Pakistani infrastructural expansion, including the noted project in
the Pakistani deep water port in Gwadar. Both countries have an ongoing free trade agreement.
Pakistan has served as China's main bridge between Muslim countries. Pakistan had earlier played a
leading role in bridging the communication gap between China and the West, through Henry Kissinger's
secret visit before the 1972 Nixon visit to China.Contents [hide]

Background
Pakistan has an enduring, multi-dimensional and deep-rooted relationship with China. The long-standing
ties of friendship between the two countries are underpinned by mutual trust and confidence. A close
identity of views and mutuality of interest remain the hallmark of bilateral ties. Pakistan has always
supported China on all issues of importance to the latter, especially those related to the question of
China's sovereignty e.g. Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Tibet and other sensitive issues such as human rights.[1]

The Chinese leadership has always appreciated Pakistan's steadfast support on issues of their concern.
They are also generous in acknowledging the significant role of Pakistan in the early 1970s, which
enabled China to break its isolation from the West and the US, when Henry Kissinger secretly visited
Beijing. Pakistan has been instrumental in providing excellent relations of China with the Muslim world.
[2]

China has also supported Pakistan through thick and thin. In 2008 during Pakistan-Indian tensions, it
promised unlimited financial and military aid. Pakistan and China have also been involved in technology
exchanged. Although earlier, it would be mostly sharing, it now remains in the favour of Chinese.

[edit]

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Diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China were established on 21 May 1951.[3] The 50th
Anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations was an occasion of great significance both
in historic terms as well as for a strong public manifestation of the durability and the strength of their
relations. exchanges, hallmark of which was Premier Zhu Rongji's visit to Pakistan on 11–14 May 2001
and President of Pakistan's visit to China later in 2001 as part of the commemorative events for the
golden jubilee celebrations. In addition, high profile cultural and business activities were undertaken,
including Pakistan's participation in the Beijing International Trade Fair in April 2001, civil awards for
Chinese nationals in recognition of their contribution to international relations between Pakistan and
China and cooperation in various fields and the issuing of first day covers/commemorative stamps to
mark the occasion. To mark the 50th Anniversary of relations between China and Pakistan, the Pakistan
Post issued a set of 3 commemorative postage stamps on 12 May 2001. Pakistan and China further
celebrated the 50th Anniversary by releasing First Day of Issue Covers simultaneously in Beijing and
Islamabad on 21 May. Special ceremonies were held in the respective capitals to mark the release of
First Day of Issue Covers containing postage stamps of the respective countries on both the First Day
Covers duly covered with special postmarks on 21 May 2001.[4]

With the government of President Asif Ali Zardari under intense pressure from the United States, there
are calls from notable politicians and defence analysts for Pakistan to adopt a foreign policy which
considers China and not the US to be Pakistan's strongest ally and most significant stakeholder.[5]
China's emergence as the leading global economic power coupled with recent rumours of an Indo-
Western policy that could promote a destabilisation followed by a potential disintegration of Pakistan
has helped this suggestion gain further credibility.[citation needed] Washington has historically been
accused of using Pakistan in time of need and then deserting it for a policy that favours stronger
relations with India to take advantage of the large consumer market there. China, on the other hand has
been a time-tested friend of Pakistan's. The recent Mumbai attacks serve as an ideal example of this
where the US joined hands with India in accusing Pakistan whereas China warned all other powers to
restrain an invasion of Pakistan. It is in this respect that the focus in the coming years would be on the
speed and scale of development at Gawadar port. Some circles in Pakistan believe that the process of
this development should be expedited as a matter of urgency because it would deepen Chinese interest
in Pakistan substantially.

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Pakistan-China military relations

The People's Republic of China's military relationship with Pakistan's military has often been regarded by
the leaders of both countries as all weather and time tested.[6] This relationship between two Asian
countries, who are joined with a common border, is important in the world's geo-strategic alliances. The
policy of having good relations between the armed forces was taken by the leaders to counter the
balance of power in the Asia. On the one hand Indian and Soviet Union, and on the other hand Pakistan
and China's policies to counter it. In recent years this relationship has deepened even further by having
defence agreements between Pakistan and China.
China has been a steady source of military equipment to the Pakistani Army and also has helped
Pakistan to set up mass weapons production factories and also have given technology assistance and
modernized facilities.[7]

In the last 20 years, the countries are involved in the joint venture of several projects to enhance
military and weaponry systems, which includes JF-17 Thunder fighter aircraft, K-8 Karakorum advance
training aircraft, space technology, AWACS, Al-Khalid tank, Babur cruise missile. The armies have a
schedule for organising joint military exercises.[8]

China is the largest investor in the Gwadar Deep Sea Port, which is strategically located at the mouth of
the Strait of Hormuz.[9] However Gwadar port is currently embazzled in multilateral diplomatic standoff.

China has offered to Pakistan military aid in order to fight against the terrorist activities on their
(Pakistan's) soil. Beijing will further cooperate with Islamabad in dealing firmly with terrorists. After the
aid the Islamic Republic of Pakistan will also purchase military equipment from China to fight terror to
which China have agreed. This will strengthen cooperation between two Armed Forces.[10]

Pakistan’s former President Pervez Musharraf is reported to have stated that “in the event of war with
India, Pakistan will not hesitate to invite the Chinese Navy to Gwadar”.[11] In response to the "Chinese
port" at Gwadar, India invested US$8 billion at the naval base at Karwar.[12] Indian Naval Chief, Admiral
Sureesh Mehta labelled the Gwadar port has "serious strategic implications for India.".[13] The USA navy
also consider Gwadar port a threat to American naval presence in the Arabian sea and Indian ocean
from the Chinese navy[14]

People's Liberation Army Navy Rear Admiral Yin Zhuo said China relied too heavily on sea transportation
for its oil imports. Hence, "We must either build a much more powerful navy or find alternative
transportation channels.".[15]

In the past, China played a major role in the development of Pakistan's nuclear infrastructure, especially
when increasingly stringent export controls in Western Countries made it difficult for Pakistan to acquire
materials and uranium enriching equipment from elsewhere. China has supplied Pakistan with
equipment to enrich its indigenous uranium to weapons grade.
In the 1990s, China designed and supplied the heavy water Khushab reactor, which plays a key role in
Pakistan's production of plutonium. A subsidiary of the China National Nuclear Corporation also
contributed in Pakistan's efforts to expand its uranium enrichment capabilities by providing 5,000
custom made ring magnets, which are a key component of the bearings that facilitate the high-speed
rotation of centrifuges.

China also provided technical and material support in the completion of the Chashma Nuclear Power
Complex and plutonium reprocessing facility, which was built in the mid 1990s.[16]

China has also launched Pakistan's first satellite to orbit in 1990 due to Pakistan's lack of a spaceport.
The Relations of China and Pakistan were disturbed during the government of President Pervez
Musharraf because he was more inclined towards the United States of America than China.

[edit]

Economic relations

In October 2009, Pakistan and China agreed to 'propel' trade between the two countries. Both sides
opposed to all forms of terrorism, extremism and separatism, resolved to cooperation with each other
to fight the above-mentioned three forces, said the Statement adding, China conveyed its complete
support to Pakistan’s commitment and efforts to fight terrorism and appreciated the sacrifices made by
the government and people of Pakistan in this regard. Five Year Development programe on Economic
trades and free trade agreement in goods and investments was also signed. China also agreed to further
develop and boost Pakistan’s Mineral and Energy sector as well as broaden financial and banking sector
cooperation.

Both sides inked almost twelve agreements/MOUs during the visit in the fields of economic and
technical cooperation, free trade, minerals, petroleum and natural resources, environmental protection,
radio and television, space technology, agriculture sector, properties exchange between foreign
ministries of the two countries, museum of natural history, cricket field and project of X-Ray
container/vehicle inspection system.[17][18]

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Cultural relations

This section requires expansion.

The prime minister congratulated the government and the people of China on behalf of the people of
Pakistan on the cultural week. Chinese Ambassador Lou Zhaohui said that China greatly values its deep
rooted friendship with Pakistan, stressing that the friendship is all weather and in all dimensions of life.
Chinese artists staged performances including Chinese acrobats, folk songs and a magic show. A large
audience watched and showed great interest in the Chinese culture.[19][20]

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Public opinion

The relationship between China and Pakistan's is considered to be their equivalent to the Israel – United
States relations. When a US delegate once confronted a Chinese diplomat about Beijing's
uncompromising and unconditioned support for Pakistan, the Chinese reportedly responded with a
heavily-loaded sarcastic remark by saying "Pakistan is our Israel".[21] According to a Pew survey of
Pakistan public opinion last year, 84 percent of respondents said they had a favorable view of China and
16 percent had a favorable view of the United States. These results showed that Pakistan is the most
pro-China country in the world.[22]