Where Pakistan puts all its eggs
So now, after Chinese help in Gwadar and the power plants and of course CPEC, we also have a long term defence and security deal with the Chinese, according to an exclusive by a reputed daily. For one thing, the shroud of secrecy over the deal is difficult to understand. Apparently the PM signed it on Jul15, shortly after returning from his quadruple bypass, and cabinet had a long and healthy discussion on it. But, for some reason, it had to find its way to the press, months later, to eventually enlighten the public.
For another, the details of the deal, as laid out, seem rather vague. There’s no harm, of course, in an ‘… agreement based on respect for each other’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, non-integration and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equality and cooperation for mutual benefits, and peaceful coexistence for strategic gains in defence and security…’. But don’t such arrangements already exist, and have existed for a long time? No doubting the trajectory of the alliance with Beijing, nor the natural reaction to US-India warmth as the Pivot to Asia plays out, but there is an increasing need to translate the warmth with Beijing in quantifiable terms.
It is clear that CPEC, even in its initial phase, has ruffled more than a few feathers. And, of course, both the Chinese and Pakistanis would have factored in such hindrances before taking off with the plan. Its benefits and spillovers will begin to show soon enough. But there’s only so far the Chinese can be expected to go for us. And with little else going its way, Islamabad seems putting all its eggs in the Chinese basket. Economic cooperation is one thing, but security deals will have very little elbow room. In the worst case scenario, for example, the Chinese would not and should not commit troops for us. Neither should we interfere if they, push come to shove, are faced with the odd skirmish in the South China Sea. Our relationship with China is unique and both sides must take care to nurture, not over extend, it.
Pakistan doesn't have the luxury of too many baskets to put its eggs in. But the Chinese one, will more than suffice for it(so long the eggs don't turn rotten).
China has seen the greed of Pak Govt. and now they know how to keep the dog's tail wagging for it. Due to this such deals are taking place. At present the politicians are just concerned about making money and ifnoring the citizens of the country. China on the other hand just wants land and start its work of making mor profits. It is not concerned about Pakistan but only about the land and that how can they expand their economy. These defense deals will result in slavery soon for Pakistan!
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