- But simultaneously maintaining relations with the West
Prime Minister Imran Khan’s third China visit in a year is important for a number of reasons. China had to be complimented for its support over Kashmir at the UN General Assembly. As President Xi Jinping is scheduled to visit India later this month to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it was necessary to exchange views on what needs to be done after the UNGA session. Most of the Western countries would be contented once the restrictions on movement are eased and the electronic communication unblocked in the occupied Valley. The BJP government is likely to take steps in that direction in coming weeks. Once this happens, Mr Imran Khan would be under pressure from the USA and its Western allies to stop his tirade against Mr Modi, pacify the people in Pakistan and in AJK and initiate talks with India. None of the Western countries would call upon India to revive Article 370 or support the demand for a referendum in Kashmir. Like Pakistan, China too has opposed the revocation of Article 370 of Indian Constitution, saying it “undermines China’s territorial sovereignty”. But unlike Mr Khan, President Xi did not issue inflammatory statements against India.
While continuing political, diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmiris, Pakistan has to efficiently implement undertakings given to the FATF regarding money laundering and terror financing. What is more it has to rid the country of terrorist outfits of all hues and colours.
It was necessary to visit China because during Mr Khan’s recent US visit questions were raised about the economic and strategic relations between China and Pakistan. After his address at a thinktank he was asked if relations with China didn’t compromise Pakistan’s sovereignty. With US President Donald Trump treating China as a strategic adversary, attempts could have been made by the US administration to wean Pakistan away from China. A strong pro-US group within the PTI has also caused apprehensions in the past.
Maintaining close relations is in the best interests of both Pakistan and China. Projects under the CPEC have helped Pakistan overcome power shortage, brought investments and created jobs. While strengthening ties with China, Pakistan has also to maintain good relations with the USA and European countries including Russia.
