While the actions of a friend might determine the value of a friendship, it’s the intent that makes it tick. China has always been a friend Pakistan could always trust. Both its intent and actions of recent have made clear the importance it gives to its southern neighbour. Acceptance of Pakistan’s proposal to operate the Gwadar Port is another landmark achievement albeit with some modalities – like when the agreement will come in force, how would the port’s current operator be compensated – yet to be resolved.
However, as what is not said is sometimes more important than what is said, there is some confusion in the agreement to which both countries have pledged their support. The Chinese have rejected the claim that a proposal to build a naval base near Gwadar Port was discussed with the Chinese authorities. Our Defence Minister would have been wise not to publicise it. Though the proposal has its merits considering the security situation in the country, it needs to be carefully thought out before it sees the light of day. Much of our defence needs are dependent on the US and Europe. Closer ties with countries like China and Russia will only improve our capability to handle a situation like PNS Mehran’s. China’s agreeing to provide 50 JF-17 and an additional 20 FC-20 fighter jets is really a stepping stone in getting a friend out of murky waters. Cultivating multiple options would give us a leverage to face the challenges of any national or international threat-scenarios.
Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea is geo-strategically important as it oversees an busy route for oil and goods trade. It is only logical for Pakistan to have a naval base there but stretching the good nature of a friend for a promise never made is not what would make it a good venture. Indeed, intentions pay off, good and bad both. The shared goals of economic progress and regional stability would only materialise if we make a joint effort in this regard. And yes, this region of the world needs both.
