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Liu Jian
The year 2011 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, and is designated as the Year of China-Pakistan Friendship. Ever since the launching ceremony held by our Embassy and Pakistan Foreign Ministry on January 1, a lively and grand spectacle of joint celebrations has been unveiled, during which we have witnessed hundreds of activities and interactions in various fields, at every inch of land, and among all walks of life.
At this glorious juncture, I have every good reason to review the history of China-Pakistan friendship, which is, indeed, a time-honoured brotherhood, regardless of the changes in the international situation or each others domestic affairs. Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognise New China. In the 1950s and 60s, when China was suffering from Western blockade, it was Pakistan that opened an air corridor linking it to the outside world. In the early 1970s, it was Pakistan that supported China to restore its lawful seat in the UN, and served as a bridge for the normalisation of the Sino-US relations. On Chinas core issues such as Taiwan, Tibet, and the fight against three evils, it is Pakistan that has extended its valuable support at all times. On the other hand, China has always sided with Pakistan in its struggle for national sovereignty and independence, and for economic and social development. The mega projects of Karakoram Highway (KKH), Heavy Mechanical Complex at Taxila, and Chashma nuclear plant and the Pak-China Friendship Centre, are the monuments of the ever-spiking friendship.
Over six decades of interaction and cooperation, the China-Pakistan relationship, termed as higher than mountains, deeper than oceans and sweeter than honey, is an exemplary model of harmonious co-existence between countries with different social systems and cultures. In my view, there are four main factors contributing to this unprecedented bilateral relationship. First, China and Pakistan strictly abide by the four principles of peaceful co-existence, highly respect, equally treat and sincerely trust each other. Second, we always wholeheartedly help each other whenever in difficulties and forge ahead in joint hands through thick and thin. Third, China and Pakistan maintain close coordination on major international and regional issues, and in safeguarding regional peace and stability.
Today, the development of China-Pakistan relationship has gained momentum and achieved steady progress comprehensively, featured with strong strategic partnership, robust economic cooperation and ever-closer people-to-people connections. This kind of all-weather relationship is fully embodied in this years celebrations.
Our special bonds are highlighted by the frequent interactions between our leaders, governments, legislatures, and political parties. On May 21, our leaders exchanged congratulatory messages on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Pakistans President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani have paid their 7th and 4th visit to China respectively this year. Our two Prime Ministers also met on the sidelines of the 10th meeting of Heads of Government of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in St Petersburg. Other prominent exchanges include the visits to China by Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Wynne, Foreign Minister Khar, Information Minister Awan, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and PTI Chairman Imran Khan. Meanwhile, Chinese State Councillors Meng Jianzhu, Special Envoy of Chinese government Wang Chen, and a number of minister-level delegations, all contribute to the high-level mutual trust and coordination on major issues of common concerns.
This year, too, witnessed sound development of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. China has been Pakistan's second largest trading partner. The bilateral trade volume up to October stood at $8.5 billion, which is an increase of 23.9 percent over the same period of last year. China now is Pakistans largest trading partner, largest exporter and fourth largest importer. In addition, China is one of biggest foreign investors in Pakistan, covering a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure, energy, communications and agriculture, which are closely related to people's livelihood. The Chinese government further encourages leading companies to take Pakistan as a priority destination of investment. Meanwhile, Pakistani companies became more visible at the China-Eurasia Expo and 12th Western China International Fair. This November, the two countries agreed to give a five-year extension to the Development Programme on Trade and Economic Cooperation from 2012 to 2016, thus drawing up the blueprint for the future.
The practical cooperation in the strategic, economic, technological, and security fields have all scored new achievements. Joint military exercises in all services have been conducted, while the successful launching of PAKSAT-1R satellite sets yet another manifestation of strategic partnership. The setting up of two branches of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in Karachi and Islamabad has opened a new chapter of financial cooperation. The launching of the first Pakistan-China Joint Energy Working Group meeting is of great significance to address the energy crisis in the country. Two Chinese study groups were sent to help in dealing with the aftermath of Attabad Lake, and our commitment of post-disaster reconstruction has been carried forward smoothly, while the upgradation of the KKH project is underway.
Our friendship has extended to the international arena, where Pakistan and China continue to extend full support to each other on major regional and global issues. China always appreciates Pakistans role in fighting against terrorism, and calls for greater international recognition of its efforts and sacrifices, and supports Pakistan running for the UN Security Councils non-permanent seat. Pakistan, too, renders its valuable support to China in safeguarding its territorial integrity and other issues of core interests. The two nations closely work together to promote regional peace and stability in the new era.
The people-to-people contact and cultural exchanges definitely are the high points of the Friendship Year. To reach to the people has been set as our principle. The Chinese Embassy alone as an example has held several receptions and art performances that were attended by all circles of people. All Pakistani provinces have hosted commemorative receptions. Almost every school has held different kinds of activities with the same theme. The project of China Pakistan River Civilisation Tour, jointly held by media organisations, hit a big success. The 100-member youth delegations of both countries have winded up mutual visits and the Summer Camp of Confucius Institute was commenced as a routine. Moreover, 500 government scholarships are offered to Pakistanis in three years starting from 2011, with the aim to pass on our friendship from generation to generation.
In addition, to assist our brothers in fighting against floods, the Chinese government has delivered 7,000 tents worth $4.7 million and donated $5 million in cash to Pakistan, and sent a 50-member medical team carrying 50 tons of relief aid. The Bring Light Tour Programme has conducted free surgeries for 500 Pakistani cataract patients in Islamabad and Multan.
Our Premier Wen Jiaobao, during his visit to Pakistan last December, said that the friendship between China and Pakistan is deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples. It is certainly in our blood and has become our noble and firm conviction. The China-Pakistan friendship is our shared asset and should be cherished and continuously enriched. China is committed to join hands with Pakistan to further enhance mutual political trust, strengthen economic ties, expand pragmatic cooperation, and deepen traditional friendship between the peoples. Indeed, Pakistan, as Chinas good neighbour, close friend, trusted partner and dear brother, should be the first one to benefit from its process of development.
In China, we call 60 years as a Jiazi, which indicates the beginning of a new circle of time. I sincerely hope and firmly believe that the China-Pakistan friendship, like a lush tree with deep roots and a rock standing firm, will carry forward with more fruitful achievements in the coming 60 years.
Chin-Pak dosti zandabad!
The writer is Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan.
China-Pak friendship, embracing the future | The Nation
Long live China Pakistan ----- Chin-Pak dosti zandabad!
The year 2011 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, and is designated as the Year of China-Pakistan Friendship. Ever since the launching ceremony held by our Embassy and Pakistan Foreign Ministry on January 1, a lively and grand spectacle of joint celebrations has been unveiled, during which we have witnessed hundreds of activities and interactions in various fields, at every inch of land, and among all walks of life.
At this glorious juncture, I have every good reason to review the history of China-Pakistan friendship, which is, indeed, a time-honoured brotherhood, regardless of the changes in the international situation or each others domestic affairs. Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognise New China. In the 1950s and 60s, when China was suffering from Western blockade, it was Pakistan that opened an air corridor linking it to the outside world. In the early 1970s, it was Pakistan that supported China to restore its lawful seat in the UN, and served as a bridge for the normalisation of the Sino-US relations. On Chinas core issues such as Taiwan, Tibet, and the fight against three evils, it is Pakistan that has extended its valuable support at all times. On the other hand, China has always sided with Pakistan in its struggle for national sovereignty and independence, and for economic and social development. The mega projects of Karakoram Highway (KKH), Heavy Mechanical Complex at Taxila, and Chashma nuclear plant and the Pak-China Friendship Centre, are the monuments of the ever-spiking friendship.
Over six decades of interaction and cooperation, the China-Pakistan relationship, termed as higher than mountains, deeper than oceans and sweeter than honey, is an exemplary model of harmonious co-existence between countries with different social systems and cultures. In my view, there are four main factors contributing to this unprecedented bilateral relationship. First, China and Pakistan strictly abide by the four principles of peaceful co-existence, highly respect, equally treat and sincerely trust each other. Second, we always wholeheartedly help each other whenever in difficulties and forge ahead in joint hands through thick and thin. Third, China and Pakistan maintain close coordination on major international and regional issues, and in safeguarding regional peace and stability.
Today, the development of China-Pakistan relationship has gained momentum and achieved steady progress comprehensively, featured with strong strategic partnership, robust economic cooperation and ever-closer people-to-people connections. This kind of all-weather relationship is fully embodied in this years celebrations.
Our special bonds are highlighted by the frequent interactions between our leaders, governments, legislatures, and political parties. On May 21, our leaders exchanged congratulatory messages on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Pakistans President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani have paid their 7th and 4th visit to China respectively this year. Our two Prime Ministers also met on the sidelines of the 10th meeting of Heads of Government of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in St Petersburg. Other prominent exchanges include the visits to China by Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Wynne, Foreign Minister Khar, Information Minister Awan, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and PTI Chairman Imran Khan. Meanwhile, Chinese State Councillors Meng Jianzhu, Special Envoy of Chinese government Wang Chen, and a number of minister-level delegations, all contribute to the high-level mutual trust and coordination on major issues of common concerns.
This year, too, witnessed sound development of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. China has been Pakistan's second largest trading partner. The bilateral trade volume up to October stood at $8.5 billion, which is an increase of 23.9 percent over the same period of last year. China now is Pakistans largest trading partner, largest exporter and fourth largest importer. In addition, China is one of biggest foreign investors in Pakistan, covering a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure, energy, communications and agriculture, which are closely related to people's livelihood. The Chinese government further encourages leading companies to take Pakistan as a priority destination of investment. Meanwhile, Pakistani companies became more visible at the China-Eurasia Expo and 12th Western China International Fair. This November, the two countries agreed to give a five-year extension to the Development Programme on Trade and Economic Cooperation from 2012 to 2016, thus drawing up the blueprint for the future.
The practical cooperation in the strategic, economic, technological, and security fields have all scored new achievements. Joint military exercises in all services have been conducted, while the successful launching of PAKSAT-1R satellite sets yet another manifestation of strategic partnership. The setting up of two branches of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China in Karachi and Islamabad has opened a new chapter of financial cooperation. The launching of the first Pakistan-China Joint Energy Working Group meeting is of great significance to address the energy crisis in the country. Two Chinese study groups were sent to help in dealing with the aftermath of Attabad Lake, and our commitment of post-disaster reconstruction has been carried forward smoothly, while the upgradation of the KKH project is underway.
Our friendship has extended to the international arena, where Pakistan and China continue to extend full support to each other on major regional and global issues. China always appreciates Pakistans role in fighting against terrorism, and calls for greater international recognition of its efforts and sacrifices, and supports Pakistan running for the UN Security Councils non-permanent seat. Pakistan, too, renders its valuable support to China in safeguarding its territorial integrity and other issues of core interests. The two nations closely work together to promote regional peace and stability in the new era.
The people-to-people contact and cultural exchanges definitely are the high points of the Friendship Year. To reach to the people has been set as our principle. The Chinese Embassy alone as an example has held several receptions and art performances that were attended by all circles of people. All Pakistani provinces have hosted commemorative receptions. Almost every school has held different kinds of activities with the same theme. The project of China Pakistan River Civilisation Tour, jointly held by media organisations, hit a big success. The 100-member youth delegations of both countries have winded up mutual visits and the Summer Camp of Confucius Institute was commenced as a routine. Moreover, 500 government scholarships are offered to Pakistanis in three years starting from 2011, with the aim to pass on our friendship from generation to generation.
In addition, to assist our brothers in fighting against floods, the Chinese government has delivered 7,000 tents worth $4.7 million and donated $5 million in cash to Pakistan, and sent a 50-member medical team carrying 50 tons of relief aid. The Bring Light Tour Programme has conducted free surgeries for 500 Pakistani cataract patients in Islamabad and Multan.
Our Premier Wen Jiaobao, during his visit to Pakistan last December, said that the friendship between China and Pakistan is deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples. It is certainly in our blood and has become our noble and firm conviction. The China-Pakistan friendship is our shared asset and should be cherished and continuously enriched. China is committed to join hands with Pakistan to further enhance mutual political trust, strengthen economic ties, expand pragmatic cooperation, and deepen traditional friendship between the peoples. Indeed, Pakistan, as Chinas good neighbour, close friend, trusted partner and dear brother, should be the first one to benefit from its process of development.
In China, we call 60 years as a Jiazi, which indicates the beginning of a new circle of time. I sincerely hope and firmly believe that the China-Pakistan friendship, like a lush tree with deep roots and a rock standing firm, will carry forward with more fruitful achievements in the coming 60 years.
Chin-Pak dosti zandabad!
The writer is Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan.
China-Pak friendship, embracing the future | The Nation
Long live China Pakistan ----- Chin-Pak dosti zandabad!
