60 golden years of Pak-China relations

Since establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in May 1951, China and Pakistan have developed an all-season friendship which is based on equality, brotherhood and overall cooperation. In the past 60 years, the two countries have carried out multi-dimensional cooperation in varied fields. Despite unstable international situation, the China-Pakistan friendship remained strong and vibrant. Recent years have witnessed a frequent exchange of visits between the leadership of the two countries which further promoted cooperation.

Being considered as the world’s most booming economy, it is therefore envisaged that China can play an extremely important role in building regional stability.

In the early years of establishment of the Sino-Pakistan diplomatic relations, Pakistan remained inactive as it was an ally of the West. The period between 1957 and 1969 witnessed an important phase in the history of the Sino-Pakistan relations. During this period, historical changes took place in bilateral relations, which changed the lukewarm attitude of Pakistan. This gesture opened a new chapter in the relationship and in the 1970s; steady developments were made to strengthen friendly cooperation between the two governments and their people. Since 1990, drastic changes have taken place on the international horizon; however, China and Pakistan has further developed.

China and Pakistan have witnessed steady growth in mutual investments in recent years. In the last few years, China invested more than USD1.3 billion in Pakistan. A large number of Chinese companies are presently working in Pakistan in different sectors.

Chinese goods are very much in demand in the Pakistani markets. Their experience of growth in trade is positive due to convenient trade flows and openness measures. China has become one of the top five import sources of Pakistan. Bilateral trade had reached around USD7 billion in 2008 and is on the rise. The balance, however, is in favour of China due to lesser exports by Pakistan.

Tensions between the US and Pakistan over the presence of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, and a speedy US withdrawal from Afghanistan are likely to reinforce Sino-Pak ties. China is the only country that has taken a supportive stand for Pakistan after the Bin Laden operation.

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 opened a new chapter of consultation and collaboration between China and Pakistan. The two countries were in total agreement that the Soviet military presence in Afghanistan posed a great threat to the security of the entire region and prepared to co-ordinate their policies to face the challenge. Support to Pakistan’s security was the major feature of China’s Afghan policy because they wanted to honour their often repeated commitments. Regarding recent developments in Afghanistan, China and Pakistan have a close understanding of each other’s point of view.

In the recent past, a 100-member youth delegation of Pakistan visited China for a week long visit. In November 2006, Chinese President Hu Jintao invited 500 young people from Pakistan to visit China within five years, when he paid a state visit to Pakistan. In response, the Pakistani government also invited 500 Chinese youths to Pakistan. Being launched in 2007, the youth exchange program is aimed at increasing mutual understanding between the people of the two countries, especially in the Pakistan-China Friendship Year 2011 which indeed is a very good step towards boosting educational ties.

This is high time to properly utilise the services of various groups of Friends of China in Pakistan. In order to increase awareness for this friendly relationship among the youth of both countries, the vital role played by Pakistan-China Friendship Association, Listeners of Urdu Services from China Radio and the Urdu Department of Peking University must be appreciated for their result oriented efforts and to use these informal channels for further awareness.

As a part of 60th Anniversary of Pakistan-China Diplomatic Relations, the Pakistan-China Friendship Association – Khyber Chapter organized many specially focused events to highlight the importance of the occasion as the whole year has been declared as Year of Friendship – 2011. All these events were aimed at enhancing the friendship.

There is a lot of potential for trade between Pakistan and China. In the present geo-political and geo-strategic dynamics, Pakistan and China need each other more than ever. The economic ties between China and Pakistan need to be strengthened on a war footing and beyond rhetoric. We need to identify areas of priority, where mutual growth can take effect efficiently.

For example, China can practically guide Pakistan in increasing its economic growth rates just as it has doubled its GDP in a record 10 years, while it took USA almost 50 years, to achieve the same growth rate. It can provide technical assistance to Pakistan in policy and planning.

Furthermore, there should be a free and facilitated exchange of business persons between the two countries. Pakistani companies should be encouraged to develop joint ventures with multinational Chinese countries, which would help penetrate the Chinese market as well as the global market. These joint ventures will also help in transfer of technology, management skills and improve innovation in products and services. Besides, it may shore up the trade balance with China, as presently, China’s exports to Pakistan are about US$6.9 Billion, and Pakistan’s import’s from China are about US$1.7 Billion in 2010.

China has vast and valuable experience in development of its agricultural sector. Pakistan can achieve monumental strides in development of its agricultural sector by following successful Chinese methodologies. Another very important area for cooperation from China is the education sector. Pakistan has a very high section of its population in the 15-24 age category, and the overall literacy rates are not very encouraging. China and Pakistan can form ‘sister universities’ for the promotion of education and research. China can offer some seats in its universities for deserving students and Pakistan can facilitate Chinese students likewise.

Finally, China’s influence as a growing economic power, can wield substantive support to Pakistan in the decisions of the international financial institutions. Such support can go a long way in helping Pakistan fight its way out of its financial distress, and in getting the desired foreign investment.

The writer a banker, the Secretary-General Pakistan-China Friendship Association Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa & the President of Radio China Listener’s Club. He can be contacted at [email protected]