Malik M. Ashraf
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, during his recent visit to Pakistan, interacted with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. In his discussions with these leaders, he reaffirmed China’s abiding commitment to support Pakistan in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as backing her efforts to combat terrorism besides upgrading CPEC.
He was right on money to say that CPEC was the cornerstone of Pak-China strategic partnership and its current focus was on promoting its high quality development, purported to support Pakistan’s journey towards self-sustained development and strengthening its economic resilience. The visit has surely taken the relations between the two countries to yet another higher notch. It is needless to emphasise that ever since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1951, the relations have assumed unprecedented strength, weathering the vicissitudes to time. The economic and military cooperation between the two nations has assumed dizzying heights. The epithet of ‘iron brothers’, which is proudly claimed by the two countries, justifiably reflects the strength of these bonds.
Brazilian lyricist and writer Paulo Coelho de Souza said,” Friendship isn’t about whom you have known the longest…it’s about who came and never left”. What he said is quintessential of the friendship between Pakistan and China.
The issues that transpired in Wang’s meeting with the Field Marshall, apart from the discussions with the civilian leadership, deserve particular mention. Wang raised the issue of the security of Chinese personnel working on development projects in Pakistan, and he was assured by the Chief Marshal that Efforts would continue to ensure the protection of Chinese personnel working on projects and institutions in Pakistan. He further said that the Pakistan Army was ready to enhance counter-terrorism and security cooperation. General Asim’s assurance regarding ensuring the safety of Chinese personnel directly addresses Beijing’s concerns. This commitment strengthens trust, which is a hallmark of the Pak-China partnership.
It is worth mentioning that the Pakistan Army has already created a special division to protect CPEC installations, Chinese Engineers and workers. However, the enemies of Pakistan, through their terrorist attacks on Chinese personnel, did try to sabotage the cooperation between the two countries, but have failed to create any dent in the relations between the two countries.
The Field Marshal reiterated that maintaining friendly relations with China was the unanimous stance of the entire Pakistani nation. It truly reflected the sentiments of every Pakistani.
The most significant remark made by Wang was regarding the Pakistan Army being the pillar of national stability and a strong guardian of Pakistan-China friendship and cooperation, which has always strongly supported the implementation of key consensuses reached between the leadership of both countries. It is indeed a strategic endorsement by a global power. It needs to be understood and appreciated by all the patriotic elements. There is no doubt that the Pakistan Army is the guarantor and defender of the territorial and ideological frontiers of the country and regional security. It has made unprecedented sacrifices to strengthen the edifice of the state and its security as well as combating terrorism, which poses an existential threat to the country. The resolve expressed by Wang to back Pakistan’s efforts for combating terrorism is also a strong message of deterrence to separatist proxies and hostile intelligence agencies that any subversion would be confronted with unswerving resolve through concerted efforts of the two countries.
Wang also welcomed Pakistan’s role in global affairs. Here again, the role played by the armed forces and Field Marshal Asim in giving a befitting response to the Indian aggression and the reset of relations between Pakistan and the USA needs to be appreciated and acknowledged. It has certainly lifted the global standing of the country. Field Marshall not only achieved military ascendency over India but also played the role of an architect of a new relationship with the USA.
The writer is a freelance columnist. He can be reached at ashpak10@gmail.com
