New dimensions of Pak-China relations

Regional cooperation benefits all

Needless to emphasise that Pak-China relations characterised by consistency and resilience have withstood the vicissitudes of time, an ingredient missing in its ties with other countries including USA. No wonder then that relations with China have remained the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy ungrudgingly pursued by all the governments. This relationship derives its strength and vigour from the unmitigated love and affection that the people of the two countries have for each other. The relations between the two countries which initially were mostly confined to defence and military cooperation, have over the years, expanded and diversified due to the converging security and economic imperatives envisioned and being pursued by both the countries.

China’s emergence as an economic and geo-political power has changed the global as well regional balance of power. China’s declared goal of reviving the old Silk Route, the desire to establish connectivity and trade with its western neighbours, especially Pakistan, growing interest in peace in Afghanistan to improve security the environment and keeping the terrorists — having links with Afghan Taliban — away from its Xinjiang province reflects its economic and security imperatives. These imperatives are also the priority areas for Pakistan which is struggling to rebuild its economy and warding off security threats posed by terrorism and the volatile situation in Afghanistan.

This convergence of economic and security imperatives have added a new and more durable strategic dimension to the relations between the two countries, which have reached new heights in the recent years. This is amply evident from the fact Pakistan has emerged as the top most destination for Chinese investments in South Asian region. Nearly 200 projects in different fields are being implemented with Chinese help including twelve hydel power projects. Chinese companies will be investing more than US$ 6 billion in the energy sector over the next five years. Chinese government has indicated interest in investing US$ 22 billion in energy and infrastructure project in Pakistan.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was right on money when delivering a keynote address at the Boao Conference in Hinan province China. He endorsed the vision of the Chinese leaders regarding the revival of the old Silk Route and the desire for a new Silk Route. He rightly stressed the point that Pakistan being at the confluence of China, Eurasian land-bridge and the Middle East was best suited for a three-pronged economic corridor between China, Central Asia and the Middle East. Pakistan like China also has an abiding interest in peace in Afghanistan and its economic revival to realise its vision of regional peace and shared economic prosperity.

The economic corridor between Xinjiang province of China and Gwadar port in Pakistan proposed by the Chinese prime minister during his visit to Pakistan during last May which would involve the building of an elaborate network of roads, rail, optic fiber cables and energy pipelines, has the potential to unleash greater connectivity and expansion of trade not only between China and Pakistan but also between China and Middle Eastern countries, triggering a new era of economic prosperity in the region. Pakistan indeed is a pivotal link in the Chinese plan to revive the Silk Route and expand its commercial interest westward.

The prime minister emphasising the need for the Asian countries to prioritise conflict resolution, as they could spell disaster, observed that the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) with its diverse membership and strong institutional framework was well positioned to promote peace and security and the role it was playing in settling disputes and conflicts could help revive the old Silk Route. The reference about SCO actually reflected Pakistan’s desire to seek full membership of the organisation, which might be helpful to Pakistan in pursuing its economic and security goals. Currently Pakistan has a status of an observer.

The SCO aims to strengthen mutual trust, good neighbourliness and trust among the member states, developing effective cooperation in political affairs, economy and trade, culture , education, energy and environmental protection, working together to maintain regional peace, security and stability and promoting the creation of a new international political and economic order. SCO abides by the basic principles of the UN Charter which stipulates for each other’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in each other’s affairs. In 2004, in view of the burgeoning phenomenon of terrorism and extremism, the SCO decided to set up Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) with the purpose of enhancing cooperation among the member state to deal with terrorism, separatism and extremism.

The presence of giants like Russia and China in the SCO along with Central Asian states rich in natural resources promise infinitesimal opportunities for peace and economic prosperity of the region. Granting of observer status to Afghanistan and Turkey has further strengthened the Organisation. The economic linkages evolved through the SCO forum would also enhance prospects of regional security. Pakistan faces an existentialist threat from terrorism and the member states of SCO are also victims of it. Making a common cause and fighting it collectively to stop it in its tracks, therefore, stands a better chance of success and Pakistan can contribute to this effort in a big way. Tackling this menace and restoring regional peace, especially in Afghanistan would unfurl an era of shared economic prosperity in the region. It could also pave the way for the completion of trans-regional projects like TAPI and CASA-1000, so vital for an energy starved country like Pakistan. Pakistan presently is also engaged in diversifying its exports and finding new and easily accessible markets for its products. The SCO states with almost one fourth of the world population constitute a very lucrative market for its exports. Similarly it can attract the required investments in the energy and infrastructure sector in which some of the SCO countries have a comparative advantage.

The SCO also has an international dimension. One of its purposes is to work together for the creation of a new political and economic order. In the prevailing global environment wherein a sole super power supported by its western allies is feverishly engaged in fashioning a new world order chiseled to its own perceptions, the role of SCO in firming up the new world order and eliminating the vulnerabilities of this region to foreign intervention, assumes greater significance. Regional organisations like SCO are perhaps the best forums to strengthen regional security and preserving world peace. Pakistan’s quest to seek SCO membership conforms well to the paradigm shift in the conduct of relations with neighbouring countries and building regional linkages for economic prosperity and security.