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Fact Files
China-Pakistan Relations
Contents
Preface Preface Pakistan and China have enjoyed a multi-dimensional relationship. Their ties have always been warm and variously described as “all-weather” or a “time-honoured” friendship. According to President Pervez Musharraf, “Despite changes at the regional and global levels, the deep-rooted ties between the two countries have been gaining strength with the passage of time.”[1] Similarly, Chinese President Hu Jintao acknowledged, “Nothing would affect the decades old Sino-Pakistan friendship despite the changes in global and regional situation.” He thanked Pakistan for its continued support on the issues of Taiwan, Tibet and Human Rights and for being the first country that supported the anti-secession law passed by the National Peoples Congress in March 2005.[2] Since 1980s China’s foreign relations are qualitatively different. There is a shift from ideology centric to a pragmatic approach. China’s former President Deng Zioping, who launched major economic and social reforms in an attempt to modernize the country, brought about the change. China has developed peaceful relations with all its neighbours and is concentrating on its economic growth. In case of Indo-Pak relations, China is urging both countries to resolve the Kashmir dispute through “mutual dialogue” and “bilateral means”. Pakistan, due to its strategic location, has served as a bridge between China and Middle East as well as for Sino-US rapprochement. Pakistan supports, besides Chinese stance on Taiwan, its policy against terrorism, and recognizes China’s full market economic status. Apart from political and defence understanding between the two countries, the economic relations are also showing an upward trend. Several important projects in Pakistan have been completed, or are underway, with Chinese assistance. These include the Karakorum highway, the Indus highway, a heavy mechanical complex, the Pakistan aeronautical complex, the Saindek project, the Guddu thermal power station, the Jamshoro power station, the Chashma nuclear power plant, the Ghazi Brotha power project, the Thar coal power-generation project and the Gwadar port. The Factfile commences with the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan in 1951, signing of Sino-Pakistan Frontier Agreement in 1963 and former Chinese President Jiang Zemin’s address to the Senate of Pakistan in 1996. It includes selected articles covering Pakistan-China relations mostly focusing on developments during 2004-2005. It concludes with the visit to Pakistan of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on 5-7 April 2005, which is another milestone in Pakistan-China ties. Noor ul Haq Islamabad,
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China is the world's most populous country, with a continuous culture stretching back nearly 4,000 years.
Many of the elements that make up the foundation of the modern world originated in China, including paper, gunpowder, credit banking, the compass and paper money.
After stagnating for two decades under the rigid authoritarianism of early communist rule, China now has the world's fastest-growing economy and is undergoing what has been described as a second industrial revolution.
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OVERVIEW |
In the early 1980s it dismantled collective farming and allowed private enterprise again. Now it is one of the world's top exporters and is attracting record amounts of foreign investment.
Having gained admission to the World Trade Organisation, China will benefit from increased access to foreign markets but in return will have to expose itself to competition from abroad.
This is expected to spur private enterprise and hasten the demise of state-run industries, but some Chinese fear it will come at heavy social costs such as unemployment and instability.
The fast-growing economy has fuelled the demand for energy. China is the largest oil consumer after the US, and the world's biggest producer and consumer of coal. There has been a massive investment in hydro-power, including the $25bn Three Gorges Dam project.
Wealth Gap
The economic disparity between urban China and the rural hinterlands is among the largest in the world. Many impoverished rural dwellers are flocking to the country's eastern cities.
Other pressing problems include corruption, which affects every level of society, and the growing rate of HIV infection. A downside of the economic boom has been environmental degradation; China is home to many of the world's most-polluted cities.
The rate of economic change hasn't been matched by political reform, with the Communist Party - the world's biggest political party - retaining its monopoly on power and maintaining strict control over the people. The authorities still crack down on any signs of opposition and send outspoken dissidents to labour camps.
Human Rights Concerns
Human rights campaigners continue to criticise China …
Beijing regards the island of Taiwan as a part of Chinese territory that must be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary. It has threatened to invade should Taiwan declare independence.
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FACTS |
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LEADERS |
Head of State: President Hu Jintao
Little was known about the low-profile Mr Hu when he was elected by the National People's Congress in March 2003.
His position as the presidential heir-apparent had been cemented at the 16th Communist Party Congress in 2002, when he succeeded Jiang Zemin as head of the party.
Mr Jiang's decision to stand down as head of the powerful Central Military Commission in 2004, three years earlier than planned, was said to have completed the first orderly transition of power since the communist revolution in 1949.
Mr Hu has made the fight against corruption a priority; he has promised to promote good governance, saying the fate of socialism was at stake. But he has rejected Western-style political reforms, warning that they would lead China down a "blind alley".
Hu Jintao was born in Anhui province in 1942, according to his official biography. He studied hydroelectric engineering at university in Beijing and worked in the Ministry of Water Conservancy and Power after he graduated.
A committed Communist Party member since 1964, his party career took off in the late 1970s. In the 1980s he served as party chief in Guizhou and Tibet, where he oversaw crackdowns on pro-independence protests. In 1992 Mr Hu became the youngest member of the Politburo Standing Committee, the party's main decision-making body.
He is thought to enjoy dancing and table tennis, and has been described as a cautious, intelligent man who possesses remarkable powers of memory. Party loyalty and obedience are said to have contributed to his political rise.
· Vice-president: Zeng Qinghong
· Prime minister: Wen Jiabao
· Foreign minister: Li Zhaoxing
· National People's Congress chairman: Wu Bangguo
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MEDIA |
· China's media are tightly controlled by the country's leadership. Beijing also attempts to restrict access to foreign news providers by jamming shortwave radio broadcasts, including those of the BBC, and blocking access to web sites.
Fears that the media in Hong Kong would lose their independence when the territory reverted to Chinese control in 1997 have generally not been borne out. Hong Kong still has editorially-dynamic media, but worries about interference remain.
The Chinese press report on corruption and inefficiency among officials, but the media as a whole refrain from criticising the Chinese Communist Party's monopoly on power.
With more than one billion viewers, Television is a popular source for news and the sector is competitive, especially in urban areas. China is also becoming a major market for pay-TV; it is forecast to have 128 million subscribers by 2010. State-run Chinese Central TV, provincial and municipal stations compete for viewers.
The availability of non-domestic TV channels is limited. Agreements are in place which allow selected channels - including stations run by AOL Time Warner, News Corp and the Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV - to transmit via cable in Guangdong province. In exchange, Chinese Central TV's English-language network is made available to satellite TV viewers in the US and UK.
Beijing says it will only allow relays of foreign broadcasts which do not threaten "national security" or "political stability".
The Internet scene in China is thriving, though controlled. Official figures put the number of Internet users at 94 million in 2004.
Beijing routinely blocks access to sites run by the banned spiritual movement Falun Gong, rights groups and some foreign news organisations. The authorities have cracked down on Internet cafes as part of a campaign against pornography and violent games.
The media rights group Reporters Without Borders reported in 2004 that China was the world's "biggest prison for cyber-dissidents".
The Press
· Renmin Ribao (People's Daily) - Communist Party newspaper
· Zhongguo Qingnian Bao (China Youth Daily) - state-run
· China Daily - English-language
· Jiefangjun Bao - People's Liberation Army Daily
· China Economic Times
· Fazhi Ribao (Legal Daily)
· Gongren Ribao (Workers' Daily)
· Nongmin Ribao (Farmers' Daily)
· Nanfang Ribao (Southern Daily) - based in Guangzhou
Television
Radio
News Agencies
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia- pacific/country_profiles/1287798.stm>
Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China
and Pakistan
The Government of Pakistan made following announcement on 5th January, 1950: The Government of Pakistan announce that they recognise the Central People’s Government / People’s Republic of China established at Peking as de jure Government of China. They trust that friendly and cordial relations between China and Pakistan will be cemented in all spheres to their mutual advantage.
Mr. Li Kenung, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Central People?s Government of the People’s Republic of China replied on 4th February, 1950 to the Pakistan Government: the Central People’s Government of the People?s Republic of China has agreed to establish, as soon as possible, diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and mutual respect for territory and sovereignty, and welcomed the Government of Pakistan to send a representative to Peking to proceed with negotiations regarding the preliminary procedure for the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan.
Charge d’Affaires Mr. Ahmed Ali, representative of the Pakistan Government arrived in Beijing on 24th April, 1951 and started the negotiations. The negotiations concluded successfully on 21st May and both the sides agreed to exchange ambassadors. The Government of Pakistan also agreed that the Central People’s Government of the People’s Republic of China sent Mr. Han Nianlong as Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan.
<http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/tyfls/tyfl/2631/t15496.htm>
The Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Pakistan;
Having agreed, with a view to ensuring the prevailing peace and tranquility on the border, to formally delimit and demarcate the boundary between China’s Sinking and the contiguous areas the defence of which is under the actual control of Pakistan, in a spirit of fairness, reasonableness, mutual understanding and mutual accommodation, and on the basis of the ten principles as enunciated in the Bandung conference.
Being convinced that this would not only give full expression to the desire of the people of China and Pakistan for the development of good neighbourly and friendly relations, but also help safeguard Asian and world peace.
Have resolved for this purpose to conclude the present agreement and have appointed as their respective plenipotentiaries the following.
For the Government of the People’s Republic of China; Chen Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
For the Government of the Pakistan Zulfikar Bhutto, Minister of External Affairs.
Who, having mutually examined their full powers and found them to be in good and due form have agreed upon following:
Article 1
In
view of the fact that the boundary between China’s Sinkiang and the contiguous
areas the defence of which is under the actual control of Pakistan has never
been formally delimited, two parties agree to delimit it on the basis of the
traditional customary boundary line including features and in a spirit of
equality, mutual benefit and friendly cooperation.
In accordance with the principle expounded in Article 1 of the present agreement, the two parties have fixed as follows the alignment of the entire boundary line between China’s Sinkiang and the contiguous areas the defence of which is under the actual control of Pakistan.
1) Commencing from its north western extremity at height 5,630 metres (a peak the reference coordinates of which are approximately longitude 74 degrees 34 minutes east and latitude 37 degrees 3 minutes north), the boundary line runs generally eastward and then South-eastward strictly along the main watershed between the tributaries of the Tashkurgan river of the Tarim river system on the one hand on the tributes of the Hunza river of the Indus river system on the other hand, passing through the Kilik Daban (Dawan), the Mintake Daban (pass), the Kharchanai Daban (named on the Chinese map only), the Mutsgila Daban (named on the Chinese map only) and the Parpik Pass (named on the Pakistan map only) and reaches the Khunjerab (Yutr Daban (Pass).
2) After passing through the Kunjerab (Yutr) Daban (pass) the boundary line runs generally southward along the above-mentioned main watershed upto a mountain-top south of the Daban (pass), where it leaves the main watershed to follow the crest of a spur lying generally in a south-easterly direction, which is the watershed between the Akjilga river ( a nameless corresponding river on the Pakistan map) on the one hand, and the Taghumbash (Oprang) river and the Koliman Su (Orang Jilga) on the other hand. According to the map of the Chinese side, the boundary line, after leaving the south-eastern extremity of the spur, runs along a small section of the middle line of the bed of the Koliman Su to reach its confluence with the Elechin river. According to the map of the Pakistan side, the boundary line, after leaving the south-eastern extremity of this spur, reaches the sharp bend of the Shaksgam of Muztagh river.
3) From the aforesaid point, the boundary lines runs up the Kelechin river (Shaksgam or Muztagh river) along the middle line of its bed its confluence (reference coordinates approximately longitude 76 degrees 2 minutes east and latitude 36 degrees 26 minutes north) with the Shorbulak Daria (Shimshal river or Braldu river).
4) From the confluence of the aforesaid two rivers, the boundary line, according to the map of the Chinese side, ascends the crest of a spur and runs along it to join the Karakoram range main watershed at a mountain-top (reference coordinates approximately longitude 75 degrees 54 minutes east and latitude 36 degrees 15 minutes north) which on this map is shown as belonging to the Shorgulak mountain. According to the map of the Pakistan side, the boundary line from the confluence of the above mentioned two river ascends the crest of a corresponding spur and runs along it, passing through height 6.520 meters (21,390 feet) till it joins the Karakoram range main watershed at a peak (reference coordinates approximately longitude 75 degrees 57 minutes east and latitude 36 degrees 3 minutes north).
5) Thence, the boundary line, running generally south-ward and then eastward strictly follows the Karakoram range main watershed which separates the Tarim river drainage system from the Indus river drainage system, passing through the east Mustagh pass (Muztagh pass), the top of the Chogri peak (K-2) the top of the broad peak, the top of the Gasherbrum mountain (8,068), the Indirakoli pass (names of the Chinese maps only) and the top of the Teramn Kankri peak, and reaches its south-eastern extremity at the Karakoram pass. Then alignment of the entire boundary line as described in section one of this article, has been drawn on the one million scale map of the Pakistan side in English which are signed and attached to the present agreement. In view of the fact that the maps of the two sides are not fully identical in their representation of topographical features the two parties have agreed that the actual features on the ground shall prevail, so far as the location and alignment of the boundary described in section one is concerned, and that they will be determined as far as possible by bgint survey on the ground.
The two parties have agreed that:
i) Wherever the boundary follows a river, the middle line of the river bed shall be the boundary line; and that
ii) Wherever the boundary passes through a deban (pass) the water-parting line thereof shall be the boundary line.
The two parties have agreed to set up, as soon as possible, a joint boundary demarcation commission. Each side will appoint a chairman, one or more members and a certain number of advisers and technical staff. The joint boundary demarcation commission is charged with the responsibility in accordance with the provisions of the present agreement, to hold concrete discussions on and carry out the following tasks jointly.
1) To conduct necessary surveys of the boundary area on the ground, as stated in Article 2 of the present agreement so as to set up boundary markers at places considered to be appropriate by the two parties and to delineate the boundary line of the jointly prepared accurate maps.
To draft a protocol setting forth in detail the alignment of the entire boundary line and the location of all the boundary markers and prepare and get printed detailed maps, to be attached to the protocol, with the boundary line and the location of the boundary markers shown on them.
2) The aforesaid protocol, upon being signed by representatives of the governments of the two countries, shall become an annex to the present agreement, and the detailed maps shall replace the maps attached to the present agreement.
3) Upon the conclusion of the above-mentioned protocol, the tasks of the joint boundary demarcation commission shall be terminated.
The two parties have agreed that any dispute concerning the boundary which may arise after the delimitation of boundary line actually existing between the two countries shall be settled peacefully by the two parties through friendly consultations.
The two parties have agreed that after the settlement of the Kashmir dispute between Pakistan and India, the sovereign authority concerned will reopen negotiations with the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the boundary as described in Article Two of the present agreement, so as to sign a formal boundary treaty to replace the present agreement, provided that in the event of the sovereign authority being Pakistan, the provisions of the present agreement and of the aforesaid protocol shall be maintained in the formal boundary treaty to be signed between the People’s Republic of China and Pakistan.
The present agreement shall come into force on the data of its
signature.
Done in duplicate in Peking on the second day of March 1963, in the Chinese
and English languages, both side being equally authentic
<http://www.kashmir-information.com/LegalDocs/SinoPak.html>
Jiang Zemin’s address to senate (1996)
Carrying Forward Generations of Friendly and Good-Neighbourly
Relations and Enseavoring Towards a
Better Tomorrow for All
Speech by President Jiang Zemin of the People's Republic of
China at
Islamabad, Pakistan
2 December, 1996
Your Excellency President Leghari,
Your Excellency Mr.Sajjad, Chairman of the Senate
Respected Friends,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is with great joy that I have come to our close neighbour, the friendly Pakistan, for a state visit at the invitation of His Excellency President Leghari. I am exceptionally delighted today by the privilege of meeting all of you here. Please allow me to take this opportunity to convey to you and, through you, to the fraternal people of Pakistan the cordial greetings and best wishes of the Chinese People.
Pakistan is a great country with a time-honored and a splendid culture and its people are industrious, brave and talented. Brave and talented. Since independence, the Government and people of Pakistan have worked hard and scored gratifying achievements in the cause of nation building. Pursuing a foreign policy of peace, independence, and non-alignment, Pakistan plays a constructive and positive role in regional and international affairs. The Chinese Government and people are overjoyed by the accomplishment of our Pakistani brothers and wish them new and greater successes on their path of nation-building and economic rejuvenation.
China and Pakistan enjoy a profound friendship dating back to ancient times, a friendship that has withstood the test of international vicissitudes. Over the past 45 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, thanks to the loving care of the leaders of the two countries and the joint efforts of the two sides, Sino-Pakistani relations have enjoyed an all-round growth and bilateral cooperation based on mutual benefit has produced fruitful results. Our two peoples have regarded each other as friends in need and brothers bound by common fate, always sympathizing with and supporting each other. The Chinese Government and people cherish profoundly the traditional friendship between our two countries and stand ready to join the Pakistani side in further solidifying and strengthening this friendly and cooperative relationship.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The subcontinent of South Asia is an ancient and fascinating land. When human cultures in many parts of the world remained in their infancy, the people here had already created the resplendent Harappa Culture, adding a glowing page to ancient civilization of mankind. In modern times, when colonialism and imperialism ran amuck in South Asia, the people here fought back with an unyielding struggle that lasted more than a century, writing down a glorious chapter in the history of winning national independence by Asian peoples. Today, the people in South Asia have, with firm steps, embarked on a new journey towards stability and development, determined to end poverty and backwardness and catch up with the trend of the times. We are pleased to see the heartening progress made by the South Asian countries in recent years in improving their relations with one another and strengthening regional cooperation. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has played a meaningful role in promoting peace, stability and economic cooperation in the region. As all South Asian countries are committed to economic development while vigorously exploring for a path of economic reform and development suited to their respective national conditions, a favourable momentum of steady economic growth has begun to emerge across the region.
South Asia has a large population, vast area, rich natural resources and huge potential for development. It is my firm belief that the various South Asian peoples, who won their independence with a display of a dauntless spirit, will surely usher in a new era of prosperity and abundance on their fertile land of millennial civilization through their indomitable endeavour. Asia's booming economies and the unfolding economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region have presented a valuable opportunity for the economic development of South Asia, whereas economic rejuvenation of South Asia will in turn facilitate Asia's rise and a more prosperous Asia-Pacific.
China and South Asia are linked not only by common mountains and rivers, but also by a time-honoured history of cultural exchanges and friendly contacts. Since ancient times we have been good neighbours, good friends and good brothers. Looking back, Chinese high monks Fa-Hsien and Hsuan-Tsang, renowned South Asian monks Buddhabhadra and Bodhidharma, were among numerous forerunners who, undeterred by the hardship of journeying through mountains and rivers, helped build bridges of friendly contacts between the two sides.
China and South Asia have had similar historical experience, in that they all suffered from the frenzied plunder and ruthless trampling of colonialism and imperialism. It is our common fate in bad times that makes our friendship all the more endearing. We have all along sympathized with and supported each other, be it in our erstwhile fight for national liberation and independence or in our current quest for state sovereignty and faster economic development. We will always engrave on our mind the invaluable support from our friends.
As much as they are cradles of human civilizations, China and South Asia are also the birthplace of the famous Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in modern times. In mid-1950s, in a display of extraordinary vision, the statesmen of China, South Asia and some other Asian countries jointly initiated the five principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence. This was a groundbreaking event of historic significance, giving expression not only to the common wish of the newly-independent Asian countries for world peace and equal coexistence but also to the universal demand of the people all over the world. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, like an evergreen tree drawing nutrients from both the oriental civilization and the spirit of the times, are displaying an un diminishing vitality after braving 40 years' of vicissitudes as they have norms governing state-to-state relations and the foundation for the new international political and economic order.
China and South Asian countries are all members of the developing world dedicated, as they are now, to developing their economies and improving their peoples' livelihood. They all need a peaceful and stable international environment and, particularly, a favourable surrounding environment. Given this, we are all positive factors making for peace and faster development.
To solidify our friendly and good-neighbourly ties with the surrounding countries is our sincere wish and unswerving policy. Thanks to concerted efforts of the two sides in recent years, the multi-dimensional exchanges and cooperation between China and the various South Asian countries in many fields have grown steadily from strength to strength. Blessed with favourable political, economic, cultural and geographical conditions, the development of friendly relations and cooperation between the two sides holds out broad prospects and enjoys a huge potential for progress. We are ready to join hands with the South Asian countries in building a friendly and good-neighbourly relationship that is long-term, stable and oriented towards the 21st century. To this end, we wish to propose.
Broadening exchanges and deepening the traditional friendship.
We should, through a variety of exchanges, particularly direct contacts and
dialogues between top leaders enhance mutual understanding and trust and build
closer ties between each other. We should make joint efforts to carry forward
the friendship between China on one hand and various South Asian counties on
the other which was cultivated by our older generations of leaders.
2. Respecting each other and handing down the friendly and
good-neighbourly relations from generation to generation. China has always
held that all countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are all
equals, While firmly opposed to such hegemonistic behaviours as infringing on
other countries' sovereignty and interfering in other countries' internal
affairs, China will never seek hegemony for itself. Always respecting other
countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity, China also hopes that its
position of achieving reunification and opposing national dismemberment will
be understood and respected by others. China stands ready to live harmoniously
with the South Asian countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful
Coexistence. China is forever a trustworthy friend and neighbour to them.
3. Promoting mutual benefit and common development. Economic and
technical cooperation of various forms should be carried out on the basis of
equality and mutual benefit with emphasis on practical results so as to supply
each other's needs and draw on each other's advantages. New ways of
cooperation should be explored with a view to constantly expanding the scope
of cooperation, upgrading its level and laying a more solid foundation for
closer bilateral relations.
4. Properly handling existing disputes in the spirit of seeking common ground while setting aside differences. China and the South Asian countries have a great deal of common ground and converging interests just as all neighbours do. However, as neighbours, it is difficult not to have some differences or disputes from time to time. We stand for seeking common ground on major issues while reserving differences on minor ones. We should look at the differences or disputes from a long perspective, seeking a just and reasonable settlement through consultations and negotiations while bearing in mind the larger picture. If certain issues cannot be resolved for the time being, they may be shelved temporarily so that they will not affect the normal state-to-state relations.
5. Working together towards a better future through unity and cooperation. While the world is undergoing a structural transition, it is necessary for our two sides to step up consultation, cooperate closely and come to each other's support in international affairs with a view to jointly safeguarding the rights and interests of developing countries and facilitating the establishment of a fair and equitable new international political and economic order. In the international relations today, economic factor is gaining an increasingly important role. Past experiences have proved that only through closer unity and cooperation and with a sound economic development can developing countries effectively resist hegemonism and outside interference, safeguard their independence, sovereignty and interests and secure a firm foothold in the community of nations.
As home to one third of Asia's population, South Asia is an important part of Asia. Without its stability and development, there can be no peace and prosperity in Asia as a whole. We sincerely hope that this region will enjoy long-term stability and vigorous economic development; that South Asian countries will treat one another as equals and live harmoniously, thus becoming exemplary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in practice; and that they will settle their differences and disputes peacefully in the spirit of seeking common ground while reserving differences, mutual understanding and mutual accommodation. China will, as always, support South Asian regional cooperation, support the proposal and initiative for the establishment of South Asia Nuclear-free Zone and Indian Ocean Zone of Peace, and support all efforts designed to serve peace, stability and development in the South Asian region.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I would like to take this opportunity to say something about my own country. Over the past 47years since the founding of new China, the Chinese people have worked hard in self-reliance and are now advancing towards the goal of socialist modernization. Since the introduction of reform and opening-up, China's national economy has enjoyed a sustained, rapid and sound development. From 1979 to 1995, Our GNP increased by an annual rate of 9.9% and the income for our urban and rural residents by 6.3%. In 1995, our total import and export trade volume reached 280 billion US dollars. In the coming 15 years, according to our development program, China's economy will still be growing by over 7% annually.
During the course of modernization drive, we pay extra attention to properly handling the relations among reform, development and stability. Economic development is central to all our undertakings, with reform being the driving force for development, development being the foundation for social stability and prosperity, and stability being the precondition for economic growth and smooth implementation of reform.
Upholding the principle of ethnic equality, we attach great importance to developing economic and social undertaking in areas inhabited by minority ethnic groups, respecting their customs and lifestyles and protecting their freedom of religious belief. As a result, a sound relationship characterized by equality, mutual assistance, unity, cooperation and common prosperity has emerged among the people of all ethnic groups.
At present, China enjoys political stability, economic prosperity, national unity and social progress. Our endeavours on all fronts are progressing successfully.
It is the sacred duty of every people to maintain its national unification. The Chinese people are resolved to overcome all interferences and settle the questions of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan in accordance with the principle of "one country, two systems" so as to fulfil the lofty mission of national reunification. China will resume the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong and Macao in 1997 and 1999 respectively. After returning to the motherland, they will maintain prosperity and stability, and continue to play an active role in strengthening the economic and trade links among Asian countries and between Asia and the rest of the world, Hong Kong will retain its status as an international trade, financial and shipping centre, and the legitimate rights and interests of foreign enterprises there will be protected by law. A reunified and prosperous China will be a major contribution to peace and development in Asia and the world at large.
We are at a crucial moment where a new century will descend on a world undergoing profound historical changes. The trend of multi polarization featuring the rise of the developing countries is rolling on like an irresistible deluge. The pursuit of peace, stability, cooperation and development has become the main theme of our times. However, hegemonism and power politics linger on, numerous contradictions and disputes continue to plague the world, and peace and development remain severely challenged. The Chinese people stand ready to work with the peoples of South Asia and other countries towards a new century of peace and cooperation and a new world of stability and prosperity.
Thank you.
15 November 2000
<http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/yzs/gjlb/2757/2758/t16111.htm>
Zhu Rongji’s address on 50th anniversary
Sino-Pak Relations Good Example of Peaceful
Coexistence: Zhu
Visiting Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji Saturday hailed China-Pakistan relations as a "good example of peaceful coexistence between countries with different social systems."
Delivering an address at a banquet given by Pakistani President Rafiq Muhammad Tarar to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan, Premier Zhu said, "China and Pakistan are close neighbors linked by mountains and rivers. In the 50 years since the establishment of the diplomatic relations, successive leaders of our two countries have devoted a great deal of time and energy to fostering and developing our bilateral friendly ties."
Zhu said the late Premier Zhou Enlai of China visited Pakistan five times. As Premier Zhou said, the friendly exchanges between the two peoples date back to the dawn of history, and such friendly relations have stood the test of history.
Pakistani leaders on their part visited China many times, Zhu said. "They extolled Pakistan-China friendship as one higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the Arabic Sea," Zhu said, calling China-Pakistan friendship "a luxuriant tree with rich fruits."
Zhu said, "As an old Chinese saying goes, 'Friendship between chess playmates cannot outlast the day; friendship between winers and diners cannot outlast the month; friendship based on power and influence cannot outlast the year. Only friendship by virtue of morality and justice can last a lifetime.' This means that only friendship on strength of morality and justice is reliable and can last long."
The Chinese premier said, "for half a century, our two peoples have always supported each other and gone through thick and thin together despite the constant change of events. The Chinese people will not forget the selfless help the Pakistani government and people gave us in the early days of the People's Republic and their valuable support to us at times of our difficulties. The Chinese government and people on their part have also provided selfless help and support to Pakistan."
Zhu said the two countries have built many large projects together, including the Pakistan Heavy Electrical Complex completed in the 1960s, the Karakorum Highway constructed in the 1970s, the Muzaffargarh power plant which went into operation in the 1980s and the Chashma nuclear power plant completed not long ago. "These have become vivid symbols of our friendly
cooperation," Zhu said.
People's Daily
<http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/>
<http://english.people.com.cn/english/200105/13/print20010513_69806.html>
Visiting Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji Saturday hailed the close Sino-Pakistan economic cooperation and put forward proposals to further enhance and expand the relations between the two countries to greater height and width.
In his speech at the luncheon hosted by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Zhu thanked FPCCI and friends from the Pakistani business community for their useful work in promoting Sino-Pakistan friendship, economic cooperation and trade.
Noting that the bilateral trade between China and Pakistan hit a record high, the premier stressed the need to build on what has been achieved and to expand bilateral trade and investment.
He said that the present sustained economic growth of the two countries, especially China's strategy of developing its west and Pakistan's endeavor to develop agriculture and infrastructure, provided favorable conditions and good opportunities to business communities of both sides.
Zhu put forward a four-point proposal to achieve closer economic ties between the two countries, which includes:
1. To strengthen agricultural cooperation with focus on such fields as farm tool manufacturing, crop amelioration, farm produce processing and eco-agriculture.
2. To accelerate cooperation in the field of infrastructure through continuing contribution to Pakistan's economic development and by encouraging Chinese enterprises to take an active part in its program.
3. To open up new spheres for economic cooperation and trade such as broadband network and software development in the hope that these may become new growth points in Sino-Pakistan cooperation.
4. To seek new ways of cooperation in the forms of joint ventures, exclusively-foreign-owned companies and leasing.
Serving as an indispensable and important basis for Sino-Pakistan relations, the economic cooperation between the two friendly neighbors would be brought to a new high in the new century with concerted efforts by both sides, said Zhu at the conclusion of his speech.
Iftikhar Ali Malik, president of FPCCI, the apex body of trade and industry in Pakistan, delivered an address expressing deep gratitude to Zhu for attending the luncheon. He extended appreciation to China's continuous assistance to Pakistan for years and expressed his hope for further economic cooperation with China.
Pakistani Chief Executive Pervez Musharraf, Foreign Minister Abdus Sattar and
Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz were also present at the luncheon.
<http://english.people.com.cn/english/200105/13/print20010513_69801.html>
President of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf’s
Address at the
Ground-Breaking Ceremony of Gwadar
Deep-Sea Port
Vice Premier, People's Republic of China His Excellency, Wu Bang Guo, Chinese
Communications Minister, His Excellency Huang Zhendong,
Governor Balochistan Amirul Mulk Mengal Sahib,
Minister for Communications and Railways, General Javed Asharaf Qazi, Commander 12 Corp, General Qadir,
Gwadar’s Nazim Babu Gulab and all the Nazmeen sitting here who have come from different areas of Balochistan.
Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Assalam-o-Alaikum,
It is indeed a historic day for Pakistan in general, and, for the Province of Balochistan, in particular. This day marks the groundbreaking of the first commercial port on the Makran coast. The construction of Gwadar port has been under consideration for many years. However, for various reasons the work could not start earlier.
Today we are here for the groundbreaking ceremony of this port. In my conviction we are all here as witnesses to history being made not only for this region, for this province of Balochistan and for Pakistan, but also history being made in the relationship between Pakistan and China. I think this banner, right behind us, which reads Pak-China friendship journey from Karakoram to Gwadar depicts very truly the relationship that Pakistan and China enjoy which has led from Karakoram in the north of Pakistan as the symbol of this relationship and has reached all the way through Pakistan on to the coastline at Gwadar. This is the journey of our friendship, which, I am sure, will reach new heights, with passage of time, it will be maintained and it will grow from strength to strength.
The Makran coastline is of vital significance, especially in the wake of Pakistan's efforts to boost economic ties, with the Central Asian states. Gwadar port will help introduce feeder cargo services to these countries by providing dedicated, efficient and cost-effective port facilities. The infrastructure facilities consisting of road-link, connecting Gwadar to the national highway, will serve as a gateway for trade from land-locked countries of Central Asia. It will serve as the mother-port at the junction of traditional trade routes opposite strait of Hormuz which lies so close to this base and at the mouth of the Persian Gulf. It will provide an alternative access to the sea for export and import of cargo from and to the northern areas of Pakistan. The Gwadar port shall provide modern up-to-date facilities for cargo vessels in line with modern ports. The coastal highway which is also being constructed simultaneously with the port, will provide a very healthy linkage between Karachi and Gwadar ports.
If we see this whole region, it is like a funnel. The top of the funnel is this wide area of Central Asia and also China's western region. And this funnel gets narrowed on through Afghanistan and Pakistan and the end of this funnel is Gwadar port. So this funnel, futuristically, is the economic funnel of this whole region. All the top of this funnel, the broad top of the funnel, anything going into it or out of it, Pakistan and Gwadar port provides the real input, the inlet and the outlet into it. It will also facilitate the development of shipyards and export of mineral resources of Balochistan.
The development of industrial zones in the port area will create opportunities for employment and private investment in the Province of Balochistan and is a demonstration of the present government's commitment to develop the underdeveloped areas of Pakistan. We intend to build an export-processing zone and a free trade area to maximize the potential of Gwadar port.
I would like to say something about the job opportunities that the people of Gwadar will get. Thousands of people of this area will get jobs with the start of work on this port. For Nazim Sahib's information, the local people of Gwadar, Turbat, Panjgur, Pasni and Ormara will be given priority in jobs on this project.
Secondly, we are going to open up technical training centers in the area to provide training to the people in various categories so that they can get jobs after getting trained. These training centers will provide training to your middle pass, matriculate, intermediate, graduate and post-graduate degree holders in various categories of skills. All the Nazmeen, sitting here, should encourage the local people to get education and technical skill or outsiders will come and avail of the opportunities. So if you want to take full advantage of the Gwadar port, you should first equip yourself with education and technical training.
I have told the Minister to regularise the services of temporary employees. We are declaring them permanent. We will definitely keep in mind their interests. But, I will request all Nazmeen to guard their interests, develop their respective area, provide education, improve quality of education so when you compete with others in the centre you are not referred to as "from Balochistan" and "literate but not educated" but, you are considered at par with other developed provinces and A-one. You can do it if you try. lnsha Allah you will try and we will help you. But, our help alone will not serve the purpose unless you help yourselves.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As
mentioned by the Minister for Communication, by its mere location, the port of
Gwadar will have strategic advantages. The port would become much more
important and commercially active, once the rail and road infrastructure is
fully developed. There is no doubt that Gwadar port, when operational, will
play the role of a regional hub for trade and commercial activity. The people
of Gwadar and Makran, as I said, will get ample job opportunities, which will
raise their standard of living. This will go a long way in meeting my
government's agenda on poverty alleviation.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The
port of Gwadar is being constructed with financial and technical assistance of
our very close friend, the Peoples’ Republic of China. Without their
assistance, perhaps, this project may not have taken off. I would like to
avail of this opportunity to offer my sincere thanks to the Peoples’ Republic
of China for their assistance, particularly His Excellency Prime Minister Zhu
Rongji for his personal interest in this mega project that will indeed further
strengthen our already strong friendly relations.
Let me also add, the personal interest of Prime Minster Zhu Rongji when I first broached the subject of his assistance to us in developing this port about ten months back in May last year It was through his personal interest that the preliminary studies could be completed in this short time frame of ten months. I personally am obliged to the Chinese Prime Minister for his personal concern for me, myself and for the people of Pakistan and for Pakistan. I am extremely grateful to it. I would also like to congratulate the Minister for Communications, his team, and the technical experts of China and Pakistan for their hard work in completing the planning, designing and commencement of the work in a very short time.
May I also commend the effort of the Communications Minister who through his personal dynamism, together with the Chinese experts, ensured that this project gets completed in ten months and we are here on the historic day on the groundbreaking ceremony of this port. I am extremely grateful to you, Sir. At this time, I would also like to take this opportunity, since I am at Gwadar, to give out to the people of Gwadar what we are already doing for Gwadar and for the whole Province of Balochistan. As the Governor has already pointed out, we do understand that Gwadar was the most remote and deprived part of Balochistan Province and therefore, my government makes special efforts to ensure full concentration towards the development of Balochistan. I had promised this right in the beginning and I am very glad to say that we have come a long way.
To enumerate a very few of the aspects that we have done in the major infrastructure development, the coastal highway and the number of roads which have been developed, I am not going to name them, by the province itself through the dynamism of the Governor of Balochistan obviously through the money that we released for the province. Other than that, the Saindak copper mine, which was an outstanding project, which was closed down, and the people of the area were suffering. We have revived that, through again the cooperation and joint collaboration of our Chinese friends. This was one of the projects that we have revived. The coal miners of Balochistan were in extreme distress. This is another area, which through the development policy that we have followed, coal mining in Pakistan, all coal miners have benefited tremendously and this is now becoming a booming industry in Pakistan and Balochistan coal miners have gained tremendously from it. Other than that it is the coastal highway obviously and this Gwadar port that we are mainly making and the Mirani dam, which we have also launched. So these are mega projects, which concentrate on the development of Balochistan.
At the same time, I would like to take this opportunity to give out the education policy and the impact of it of what we are doing for this region. I know that through the efforts of our Education Minister, who belongs to this area, Zubaida Jalal, who is sitting here, the Houbara Foundation in Gwadar district alone has adopted eighteen schools. These are boys and girls schools. The schools are being maintained and furnished by this Foundation. Teachers and supporting staff are being given stationery and they are providing all the equipment. So, with this, we are trying to provide an environment for the education of the people of this region and the people of Balochistan. I would ask all the Nazims who are sitting here, to encourage education. Without education you will keep remaining in the background you will keep remaining behind. So all my brothers Nazims you must ensure education. Give full emphasis and ensure quality of education. Do not allow the mishappening in education that happened in all our universities in Balochistan, in the colleges, in the schools. Give quality education. So this is what we are trying to do and I would request the entire government machinery, the Governor and the Nazims to ensure that education is fully emphasized so that you come up at par with other developed provinces of Pakistan. On this occasion, let me also, since the Nazim had raised a point about fifty five workers with the communication department, announce the regularization of the services of fifty five employees, working on the Gwadar port right from the first day of the project. But I exhort the Nazims to encourage the people to get better education and necessary skills in order to compete for job opportunities. I assure you every possible help and cooperation in upgrading the education standard so that students of Balochistan can compete with students of other parts of the country. But our effort would bear fruit only when the people of the area rose to help themselves.
With this ladies and gentlemen: I am grateful to the Vice Premier from China and the Minister and the excellencies who have come from China all this way to Pakistan and all this way to this occasion and sharing our joy on this occasion of the ground-breaking ceremony of this Gwadar port. I am extremely grateful to all of you. I pray for the people of this region, for their progress and for their prosperity.
Pakistan-China Friendship Zindabad.
Pakistan Paindabad.
22 March
2002
<http://www.infopak.gov.pk/CE_Addresses/ce_gwadar.htm>
Sino-Pak Relations are Excellent, Strategic,
Permanent: Musharraf
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf Wednesday spoke highly of the Sino-Pak
relations, saying that the relations between the two countries are always
excellent, strategic and permanent.
Musharraf made the remarks during an interview in Rawalpindi, twin city of
Islamabad, with Chinese journalists located in Pakistan.
"The people of Pakistan love the people of China. So the relations don't
change with political changes and they don't change with time," said Musharraf,
adding that the friendship between the two countries is "deeper than the ocean
and higher than the mountains."
Talking about his coming visit to China in early November, Musharraf said he
needs to establish contacts with Chinese new leaders for better mutual
understanding and to expand the economic, commercial and trade ties between
the two countries.
The two countries, Musharraf said, should find ways to benefit each other and
explore more areas for economic cooperation.
He mentioned the trade imbalance in favor of China and said the two countries
can do something to address this issue.
Musharraf also encouraged Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan, saying his
country has a good environment for foreign investment.
When asked about the confidence measures that India announced last week to
normalize its relations with Pakistan, Musharraf said those proposals are not
strong and have been diluted since they are not dealing with the Kashmir
issue, which Islamabad calls a core issue of all its outstanding disputes with
India.
He suggested that New Delhi and Islamabad should take a three-step procedure
to solve the Kashmir dispute and urged the international community to
facilitate the peace process in the sub-continent.
The procedure, said Musharraf, should include dialogue between India and
Pakistan, India's acceptance of Kashmir as disputed and a solution to the
Kashmir dispute acceptable to India, Pakistan and the Kashmiris.
Xinhua News Agency, 30 October 2003
<http://www.china.org.cn/english/international/78731.htm>
China-Pakistan Joint Declaration
On November 4, 2003, Chinese President Hu Jintao and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf signed a joint declaration on the directions of bilateral cooperation. Following is the full text of the declaration:
Joint Declaration between the People's Republic of China and The Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Directions of Bilateral Cooperation
The People's Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (hereinafter referred to as the "two parties") have similar historical experience and common aspirations for peace, progress in the region and the world. The two parties have developed an exemplary state-to-state relationship on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two parties on 21 May 1951, China-Pakistan good-neighborly and friendly relations, fostered by the successive generations of leaders of both countries, have been growing from strength to strength and bilateral cooperation remain fruitful. The two parties have already established a future-oriented all-round cooperative partnership.
The good neighbourly and friendly relations between the two parties have been an important and indispensable factor for peace and stability in Asia and have contributed to greater international understanding and amity. The two countries have developed wide-ranging mutually beneficial cooperation with the aim of promoting socio-economic development and ensuring prosperity and better future for their peoples.
The two parties stress that the relationship between China and Pakistan is based on mutual respect of each other's sovereignty, independence, culture and traditions, mutual trust and mutual support. Such a relationship, with its profound popular basis, great vitality and tremendous potential of growth, should remain dynamic forever and be passed on to the future generations. The further consolidation and strengthening of the existing good-neighborly and friendly relations not only serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples, but also contributes to regional peace, stability and prosperity.
The two parties have firm belief in the centrality of the United Nations in the promotion of world peace and development and will continue to cooperate in this regard. Both countries share common values in the conduct of their international relations and stand for peaceful settlement of international disputes and upholding ofthe purposes and principles of the UN Charter.
The two parties have maintained close cooperation in the multilateral fora. They have supported each other internationally in pursuit of the common objectives of peace and development. Similarly, the two parties have consistently supported peace initiatives in Asia and efforts aimed at developing and strengthening economic cooperation and activity that would benefit the peoples of the continent.
Pakistan supports the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) and commends its efforts to promote and enhance economic activity and regional economic cooperation in Asia and with other countries.
At the beginning of the new century, the two parties are committed to develop closer bilateral relations and further deepen and broaden their all-weather friendship and all-round cooperative partnership. In the spirit of this commitment, the two parties hereby state as follows:
1. The two parties agree to maintain frequent exchange of high-level visits and contacts and strengthen the exchange of visits and communication between their government departments, Parliaments, political parties, armed forces, non-governmental organizations and local organizations with a view to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship and promoting an all-round, steady and deepened development of the bilateral relations.
2. The two parties stress the important role of annual diplomatic consultations mechanisms in enhancing bilateral political cooperation and agree to strengthen consultations and exchanges between their Ministries of Foreign Affairs at various levels and in various areas to share views on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual interest, and maintainregular exchanges and coordination on various occasions.
3. The two parties agree to build on the current sound basis of cooperation, make full use of their political and geographical advantages and promote cooperation in the realms of economy, trade, investment, agriculture, technology and tourism in accordance withthe principles of equality, mutual benefit, efficiency, mutual complementarities, diversity of forms and common development. To this end, the two parties will
(1) Continue to strengthen the guidance and coordination on economic and trade cooperation. Both sides will give play to the role of China-Pakistan Joint Committee on Economic, Trade, Scientific and Technological Cooperation (JEC) and explore new approaches and channels for mutually beneficial economic and tradecooperation. To further tap the potential of bilateral economic cooperation, the two parties agree to strengthen the role of China-Pakistan Business Council. The two parties will also improve related laws and regulations, standardize enterprise behavior, and create favourable conditions and offer necessary facilitation for the economic and trade and investment activities of their companies, enterprises and organizations.
(2) Actively expand bilateral trade and entrust JEC to take appropriate steps in that direction. The two parties agree to encourage and support two-way investment by their enterprises in accordance with the agreements on the promotion and protection of investment between the two governments, domestic laws and their respective international obligations. They agree to expand bilateral trade on the basis of the newly concluded preferential trade arrangement with the ultimate goal of establishing a free trade arrangement. The two parties agree to strengthen cooperationin contract labor services, and take necessary measures to furtherpromote bilateral trade.
(3) Promote and standardize border trade. The two parties will take steps to facilitate existing border trade and further take steps to conclude a new border trade agreement so as to promote their economic development and social stability, especially in theborder areas.
(4) Guide and encourage their government departments, scientific research institutes, universities and high-tech enterprises to conduct broad technological cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as telecommunication, water conservancy, electric power, aviation and space technology, computer, automation, metallurgy, IT, medicine and health, petrochemistry, biotechnologyand peaceful utilization of nuclear power. The two parties will endeavor to promote transfer of know-how and exchange of information. In this context, the two parties will give full play to the guiding and coordinative role of the intergovernmental Joint Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation.
Strengthen cooperation in nonproliferation and export control. The two parties will consider launching, at an appropriate time, the negotiation and conclusion of a bilateral agreement on mutually issuing of ultimate consumer and end use certificate.
(5) Promote mutually beneficial cooperation in agriculture, forestry and fishery and make the best of the rich natural resources and strong complementarities of the two countries to encourage and support enhanced exchanges and cooperation between the relevant enterprises and departments in agricultural technology, processing of agricultural and forest products, manufacturing of agricultural machineries, offshore fishing and aquaculture.
(6) Promote close cooperation in the industrial sector, including sharing of professional expertise and joint production with raw materials and technologies of both sides and development of industrial zones, industrial harbors, export free zones and human resources, give play to the leading role of large enterprises and enhance cooperation among small and medium enterprises. They agree to encourage and facilitate collaboration between the private sectors of the two countries and promote the establishment of joint ventures, particularly in the field of textile manufacturing.
(7) Strengthen exchanges and cooperation in fiscal and financial areas and in macro-economic control.
(8) Strengthen transport cooperation and promote interflow of personnel and commodities through Karakoram Highway.
(9) Hold more investment and trade fairs and commodity fairs in their major commercial cities to enhance mutual understanding between their enterprises. The key chambers of commerce of both countries (the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the Federation of All Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry) will establish a regular exchange mechanism.
(10) Expand cooperation in tourism. Pakistan has been designated as a destination for outbound Chinese tourists. The two parties will finalize the concrete measures as early as possible, to increase the number of tourists, expand tourism markets and enhance tourism promotion.
4. The two parties attach great importance to the role of the China-Pakistan Defense and Security Consultation Mechanism in promoting military-to-military exchanges and cooperation. To develop defense cooperation, the two parties should, on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, continue to actively conduct exchanges and cooperation at all levels and in all fields, including exchange of visits, personnel training, armed forces training, culture and sports. In this regard, the efforts of the Sino-Pakistan Joint Committee on Cooperation in Defense Technologyand Industry shall be supported to enhance defense industrial cooperation.
5. The two parties agree to strengthen the exchanges and cooperation in the fields of culture, education, public health, sports, media and religion. Both agree to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples through exchange of students, teachers, delegations, art performance groups, experts and exhibitions. Special importance will be attached to the friendly exchanges and communication between the youth to enhance their awareness of China-Pakistan traditional friendship, and ensure that they will inherit and develop the friendship, mutual trust and cooperation between the two peoples.
Noting the serious threat facing the world environment, the two parties agree to cooperate with each other in this field in a joint effort to prevent water and air pollution, soil erosion and unsustainable deforestation. The two parties agree to cooperate on efficient and economical use of energy and on research and development for sustainable management of natural resources and improvement of the environment.
6. The two parties agree that separatism, extremism and terrorism pose serious threats to regional security and stability. Both sides are resolved to strengthen coordination and cooperation under bilateral and multilateral frameworks. They will actively support and facilitate substantive cooperation between their departments in combating separatism, extremism and terrorism with a view to safeguarding regional peace and stability.
7. The two parties will promote mutual assistance in criminal and legal matters and law enforcement cooperation between the departments concerned and build closer ties in the surrender of fugitive offenders, investigation and taking of evidence, sharing of criminal information, crackdown on organized transnational crimes, economic and other crimes, such as smuggling of drugs, weapons and ammunition, and trafficking in human beings.
8. The Chinese side reaffirms that it respects the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan, and appreciatesand supports the efforts of Pakistan for peaceful resolution of all outstanding issues with neighbors and to safeguard its state sovereignty and independence. The Pakistani side reaffirms that it will continue to consistently adhere to the one-China policy, and recognize the Government of the People's Republic of China as thesole legal government representing the whole of China and Taiwan an inalienable and indivisible part of Chinese territory, and fully support China's cause of peaceful reunification.
9. The two parties are satisfied with their close and efficient cooperation over the years in international and regional affairs. Both sides share the view that the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and other universally recognized norms governing international relations must be respected by all countries and that the central role of the UN in international affairs should be maintained and strengthened, especially through faithful implementation of the resolutions of the Security Council. The two parties agree to continue to strengthen their communication and collaboration in international and regional affairs and commit themselves to enhanced solidarity and cooperation among developing countries andmaintenance of their legitimate rights and interests in the process of globalization, enhancement of regional and global peaceand security, and to the establishment of a new international political and economic order that is fair and rational.
Both sides agree that the visit of President Pervez Musharraf to China has been an outstanding success and a new milestone in the further strengthening of mutual understanding, trust and the traditionally close friendly cooperation between the two countries.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Pakistan, President Pervez Musharraf extended cordial invitations to President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao to pay visits to Pakistan at their convenience. The invitations have been warmly accepted.
President Pervez Musharraf expressed his appreciation to the Government and the people of the People's Republic of China for their warm and friendly hospitality accorded to him and his delegation.
Done in duplicate at Beijing on 3 November 2003 in the Chinese and English languages, both texts being equally valid.
(Hu Jintao) President of the People's Republic of China
(Pervez Musharraf) President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
4 November 2003
<http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/yzs/gjlb/2757/2758/t40148.htm>
No Pakistan-China Nuclear Deal
Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has ended a three-day visit to China in which the two sides signed a number of agreements to improve relations.
However, they did not, as some observers had expected, finalise a deal for China to help build a nuclear plant in Pakistan.
Mr Musharraf's visit came during signs of growing friendship between China and Pakistan's arch-rival, India.
He has now flown to Seoul for talks with South Korean leaders.
President Musharraf's final day in China focused on talks with Chinese Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan and former President Jiang Zemin.
Mr Jiang is now head of China's Central Military Commission.
"We had an excellent time here in China," Mr Musharraf was quoted as saying by the Reuters news agency.
|
|
President Musharraf |
"We feel very much at home here in China."
However, correspondents say it was noticeable that the two sides did not put the finishing touches on an agreement for China to help in the construction of a nuclear power plant on the River Indus.
It would be the second nuclear plant that China has helped Pakistan to build.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman would only say that there was now a "consensus" between the two sides over the new plant.
A spokesman at the Pakistan embassy in Beijing said talk of the deal being concluded during Mr Musharraf's visit was "just speculation".
A wide range of agreements signed after Mr Musharraf met President Hu Jintao on Monday included:
President Musharraf also asked Chinese businessmen to invest in his country.
"The past belongs to Europe, the present belongs to the united States and the future belongs to Asia," he told business executives on Tuesday evening, the Associated Press news agency reports.
"China's economic miracle of the last 20 years is a beacon for all developing countries like Pakistan."
BBC News, 5 November 2003
<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3242987.stm>
Further Strengthening of Sino-Pak Ties
Since 1963, Sino-Pak relations have continued to demonstrate, with a remarkable degree of consistency, an enviable cordiality. While the world has experienced dramatic changes in the prevalent environments, not much change has been registered in Sino-Pak ties. Frequent visits of dignitaries from both sides have continuously further cemented the existing ties. For obvious reasons the convergence of national interests and similarities of views on regional and global issues have facilitated the process of strengthening of ties. Each visit has contributed towards the desired level of clarity that is deemed so necessary among friendly countries.
President Musharraf’s recent visit is no exception. Not only it has further strengthened ties but has also given a boost in terms of cooperation to the areas that were not given hitherto so much attention. While the Sino-Pak relations have often been classified as all-weather and time-tested relationships, one cannot help but noticing the not-so-impressive trading interactions. There exists sufficient space to increase the incumbent level of economic interaction. Recognising need to improve economic and trading interactions, the two sides signed treaties on economic cooperation that included one on preferential tariff. Something like 800 goods from Pakistan and 200 from China will go through low tariff procedure. Indeed this concession is likely to boost the trade.
Perhaps the most important outcome of this visit was the joint declaration, which gives a roadmap for future cooperation between the two countries in all areas of bilateral interests. In many ways the joint declaration is also a manifestation of their commitments to work towards a common stance on regional as well as international issues. Undoubtedly it would prove to be a landmark in Sino-Pak ties. While the two counties already enjoy an enviable cordiality, the periodic assertions of commitment and mutual consultation often inject renewed vigour.
The joint declaration appears to have defined the objectives of their bilateral relations. The Chinese spokesman equated the joint declaration to a commitment of the two countries to adopt a common stand on various regional and international issues. Perhaps that is why the Pakistani Finance Minister interpreted it as a landmark agreement aimed at adopting a joint strategy on all matters of mutual interests. Under the agreement the two countries are supposed to hold regular consultations to attain the objectives laid down in the declaration.
The eight agreements that were inked during President’s visit covered various aspects of their mutual relationships. Apart from preferential treaty, the two countries also signed an extradition treaty relating to the exchange of prisoners and holding of trials in their respective countries. This would indeed discourage the criminals as well as the smugglers. The Chinese have been extremely sensitive about their border regions. Not only these agreements would check the smuggled goods but would also prove to be effective deterrent to those elements of the society that were indulging in undesired and unlawful activities and using the border areas as their hideouts. This agreement will also help in combating terrorism. In addition, this would also facilitate the drive against narcotics trafficking and illegal immigration.
The agreements relating to cultural exchanges of writers and promotion of tourism, export of mangoes to China, construction of led zinc deposit at Doddar with Chinese assistance, construction of modern signalling system of main railway lines, and future expansion of Saindek copper project all reflect increasing the economic cooperation and developmental assistance.
Pakistan and China enjoy remarkable cooperation in the area of defence. Indeed the two countries attach great importance to Pakistan-China defence cooperation and security consultation mechanism in promoting military to military exchanges and cooperation especially in the area of defence production. Not only have the Chinese helped Pakistan in enhancing its defence production capabilities but also in training. Recently the two countries held joint naval exercises. Among the major Chinese contribution in the area of defence cooperation is the Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT). By helping Pakistan to construct this huge factory, the Chinese assisted Pakistan to move closer to self-reliance.
The Chinese have cooperated with the Pakistanis in the manufacturing of both tanks and aircraft. Both countries are working in close collaboration in the development and manufacturing of main battle tank called Al-Khalid. In addition the two countries collaborated and continue to collaborate in many air force related projects like K-8 and Super 7 aircraft.
A news item also mentioned that China has agreed to extend financial and technical assistance for the second phase of Chashma nuclear plant. No agreement was announced which merely implies that that discussion regarding the second phase of Chashma has not really been finalised. Often discussions on issues that are deemed complex and sensitive are lengthy and cumbersome and tend to carefully cover all aspects that could land either party in an embarrassing situation.
The visit of President Musharraf has indeed proved to be extremely significant both in terms of overall cooperation in many areas, reflecting clear future directions. There is expressed resolve of the two countries to fight forces of extremism, ethnic separatism and terrorism. The Chinese are concerned with the activities of separatists groups in the Chinese province of Xinjiang. To deny sanctuaries to these groups, Pakistan’s cooperation is deemed necessary. The Chinese have acknowledged Pakistan’s resolute stand against terrorism.
Not only the identical and complementary nature of national interests facilitated the two countries to come closer to each other since 1963 but the maintenance of a remarkable cordiality reflects the continuous efforts of leaders on both sides. The commonality of interests and mutual benefits are strong cementing forces. The joint declaration is indeed reflective of future aspirations. Undoubtedly the recent visit of President Musharraf has further cemented the edifice of trust and cooperation. While it is difficult to predict about the exact nature of future developments, it is not too farfetched to assume that Pakistan-China would continue their steady upgradation of their mutual ties. To maintain continuous upgradation of ties always requires periodic assertions of commitments and visits of leaders.
Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema The News, 9 November 2003
<http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/nov2003-daily/09-11-2003/oped/o2.htm>
China, Pakistan to Further Cooperation
Sino-Pakistani cooperation is in the most fundamental interest of the two peoples and should be continuously consolidated and strengthened, said Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).
Jia, who is on an official goodwill visit at the invitation of Pakistani Senate Chairman Mohammedmian Soomro, made the remarks in Islamabad Wednesday evening during his talks with Soomro.
Jia spoke positively of bilateral relations, and said that since the two countries forged diplomatic ties 52 years ago, Sino-Pakistani all-weather friendship and all-round cooperation have become an example for the relations between countries with different social systems and cultural backgrounds.
He said it is the consensus of the new Chinese leadership and the policy of the Chinese government to consolidate and strengthen Sino-Pakistani overall and cooperative partnership.
China will treat neighbors in a friendly way and as partners, and strengthen friendship and cooperation with all countries in South Asia, noted Jia.
Reviewing the relations between the CPPCC and the Pakistani Senate, Jia said they should continue to promote bilateral exchanges and cooperation as their relationship dates back to the 1960s.
Echoing Jia, Soomro pointed to the special and brotherly friendship between the two countries and the time-tested bilateral relations.
He said bilateral relations are all-round and the two sides have continuously strengthened their cooperation in such fields as politics, economy and people-to-people exchanges.
Noting that there has been close cooperation between the two countries in international affairs, Soomro said the friendship with China is the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy despite international changes.
He said he is convinced that China will play an even more important role in international affairs.
He also said the Pakistani Senate will have more exchanges with the CPPCC so as to help promote the overall growth of bilateral relations.
Pakistan is the last leg of Jia's visit to five South Asian nations.
He had visited India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal before arriving here.
Xinhua News Agency,
4 December 2003
<http://www.china.org.cn/english/international/81491.htm>
China Not to Oppose Pakistan's Alliance with NATO
BEIJING, China: March 21 (PNS) - China has recently started informal contacts with NATO, making necessary adjustment in its foreign policy.
China believes that the existence of NATO, though a product of the Cold War, cannot be evaded. The exchanges between the two sides have been increasing, and these "historic" contacts are likely to exert a far-reaching influence on China's relations with NATO and Europe," said diplomatic sources in Beijing. In recent years, Chinese diplomats have made a series of innovations and breakthroughs, while inheriting and carrying forward fine traditions. In the past, China had been staying at a respectful distance from G8, but its relations with the organization turned on a new page when President Hu Jintao attended an informal Dialogue meeting between G8 leaders and heads of 11 developing countries held last June in Evian, France.
India is a major neighbor of China, but ties between the two countries had not been developing smoothly. Yet the past year saw many meetings between Chinese and Indian leaders improving relations and for talks on the boundary issue. Similarly, China never encouraged hostile relations between USA and the countries of South Asia. China took it positively, when Pakistan decided to join USA-led campaign against terrorism. Every successive government in China firmly stood by the policy of maintaining close partnership with Pakistan. A spokesman of the Chinese foreign office once again made it clear this week that the Sino-Pak strategic friendship will not be affected by the USA's role in the region.
Talking to APP special correspondent Javed Akhtar, the spokesman said China is looking forward to further strengthening its "All-weather friendship" with Pakistan. When asked to comment on a reported statement of US Secretary of State Colin Powell that the US will be making a notification to the Congress, designating Pakistan as a major non-NATO Ally, the spokesman said he did not see any impact of such a move on the existing friendly relations between the two countries.
Since 1963, Sino-Pak relations have continued to demonstrate, with a remarkable degree of consistency, an enviable cordiality. While the world has experienced dramatic changes in the prevalent environments, not much change has been registered in Sino-Pak ties.
Frequent visits of dignitaries from both sides have continuously further cemented the existing ties. For obvious reasons the convergence of national interests and similarities of views on regional and global issues have facilitated the process of strengthening of ties. Each visit has contributed towards the desired level of clarity that is deemed so necessary among friendly countries. Not only the identical and complementary nature of national interests facilitated the two countries to come closer to each other but also the maintenance of a remarkable cordiality reflects the continuous efforts of leaders on both sides. The commonality of interests and mutual benefits are strong cementing forces China lauds Pakistan's initiatives to improve its relations with India. Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in his press conference last week said his country highly appreciates the strategic vision of leaders both in Pakistan and India of their continuous efforts settling their disputes through peaceful means.
"We in China are pleased to see that the leaders of Pakistan and India are now trying every mean to improve their bilateral relations," he remarked. Li Zhaoxing went on to reiterate that China highly values ties with its "friendly neighbor" Pakistan. He gave high appraisal to the active role played by Pakistan in international anti-terrorism campaign.
21 March 2004
<http://www.paknews.com/main.php?id=4&date1=2004-03-21>
<http://66.102.9.104/search?q=cache:i1K2QsPbyGUJ:www.paknews.com/
main.php%3Fid%3D4%26date1%3D2004-03-21+Sino-Pak+cordiality&hl=en&ie=UTF-8>
Pakistan Welcomes China’s Ties with India: Kasuri
Beijing: Pakistan welcomes China’s influence in South Asia and its relations with India, considering it as a positive development towards peace and security.
This was stated by Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV), which was telecast on Sunday.
When asked to comment on recent developments between India and China, towards improvement of their relations, Kasuri said, "We welcome China’s influence in South Asia. We don’t believe these developments could affect the time-tested and all-weather friendship between Pakistan and China in any manner whatsoever".
In fact, he added if China acquires greater influence in South Asia, it will be conducive for achieving the ultimate goal of establishing peace and security in the region. He said, "We have complete faith in the Chinese leadership". He maintained, when he met the Chinese prime minister and the foreign minister a day before, they termed their relations with Pakistan as unique one and they repeatedly told him that the only one country in the world to whom they describe as their all-weather friend is Pakistan, assuring nothing could drive a wedge between them.
"We believe in every single word what the Chinese leadership told us. Our faith to this effect is based on our experience. It has proved in the past that China is a true and loyal friend of Pakistan. China is country that fast developing its economy and we are happy, it is securing major successes in the economic areas. So, we understand China’s requirement improving its relations with India, USA and other countries," he added.
However, he said in the ultimate analysis Pakistan-China strategic interests are common and they are working together taking a similar stand on various regional and international issues, aimed at creating a favourable environment for peace and development.
The News, 12 April 2004
<http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/apr2004-daily/12-04-2004/main/main11.htm>
China’s Changing Perspective on South Asia
China shares a long border in its south with Pakistan India, Nepal and Bhutan, and although a part of East Asia — it is a close neigbour of South Asia and vitally concerned in South Asian developments. During the Cold War, China’s policies towards South Asia were shaped, firstly, by opposing Soviet "social imperialism" and "hegemony," and secondly, thwarting Indian "expansionism" by supporting smaller Indo-Sub-continental regional powers. Besides, there is an interesting aspect of the Chinese foreign policy. While its major focus remains on East Asia — economic powerhouse, it remains interested in South Asia as adjoining neighbour, with long borders with India with almost the same population.
With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, a qualitative change has occurred in international relations. First, post-Mao China is pursuing earnestly the "four modernisation" programme with emphasis on economic development. Secondly, it considers itself as part of the developing world with a growth rate in the last decade touching phenomenal levels; Thirdly, it has been able to survive the economic crises that hit other East Asian countries in 1997-98.
Since 1991 Indo-China relations are moving towards normalisation. China does not want to impose itself in South Asia but desires South Asia to be a conflict-free region that should be on the road to high development like itself. That is why it has urged strengthening of SAARC forum and economic collaboration. It has also welcomed the January 2004 peace process in South Asia when former Indian P M Atal Behari Vajpayee visited Pakistan on the occasion of SAARC Summit.
Fourthly, it desires South Asia to remain free from big power rivalry. China has disavowed its aspirations of becoming a "superpower"; it does not think it has the leverage to act as a mediator and therefore has urged both India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir dispute through "mutual dialogue" and "bilateral means." It does not favour formation of blocs, pacts or alliances, but only in military and technical cooperation. In the Kargil crisis and during the 2001-2002 India-Pak military standoff, it counselled restraint on both countries and pleaded resolution of their problems through peaceful means. It also views with concern the recent lodgement of US presence in nearby Afghanistan, Central Asia and Iraq.
Fifthly, China is sensitive to nuclear proliferation and threats emanating from international terrorism. It has special concerns about the rise of Islamist militancy in its northwestern semi-autonomous republic of Xinjiang and the activities of some "separatist" elements. That is why it tacitly accepted, if not openly welcomed, the US military strikes to oust the Taliban regime in Afghanistan in October 2001. It wants to insulate its regions of Xinjiang and Tibet from Kashmir from armed or radical Islamic movements.
Pak-China relations are qualitatively different from the heydays of 1960s and 1970s. Since the last two decades the Chinese ideological rectitude and zeal has given way to pragmatism and enlightened national interest. It is amongst the five nuclear powers, member of the SC, member of WTO, and has therefore global interests.
The momentum of Sino-Pak friendship has solid foundations and is continuing but China is also concurrently building fruitful economic relations with India. Both countries have Buddhist background and their relations go back into history. They have a 4,000 km long border. Both have embarked on the high road to economic development; so, it helps others like Pakistan to follow suit.
From all indications, Sino-Indian relations seem to be on steady course for the foreseeable future. China does not want to intrude into South Asian affairs and tacitly acknowledges India’s central though "non-hegemonistic" role. Ideally, it does not want any outside powers to interfere in South Asian affairs to complicate the situation.
China no longer supports any communist party or movement in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal or Bangladesh, as it did in the 1960s. Its present motto is state-to-state rather than comrade-to-comrade relations. Earlier in the 1960s-1980s, smaller countries of South Asia were apprehensive of Pak-India and Sino-Indian rivalries and wanted to redress the balance by using the Chinese or Pakistani cards. But after 9/11, Russia and China have normalised relations and in the last year or so the same trend has caught on between inveterate rivals, India and Pakistan. This has considerably eased the anxieties of small countries to take sides.
Most writings by Westerners appear concerned over China’s huge size and population, crash modernisation programme, and rapid economic growth — seen as portents of "rising superpower" with "expansionist designs." Most of these fears are exaggerated and lack empirical evidence.
Pakistan-China relations are "historic," and "time-tested," that have developed a momentum of their own — turning it into a model of friendship. They have undergone vicissitudes of governments and international vagaries. Both countries have a strategic symbiotic need for each other. China is one of the countries that is extending significant military and economic assistance to Pakistan and is grateful for Pakistan’s past role in opening with the US.
Yet it would not help to remain smugly complacent about these relations. Inter- state relations like human relations need to be constantly nurtured and can turn sour if mutual interests and sensitivities are neglected or abused. Instead of being taken for granted, relationships should be assiduously cultivated and kept in good shape.
There is need to put greater economic content in Sino-Pak relations; undertake joint ventures in business, industry, tourism; besides, more people-to-people contacts should be promoted. Lately, Chinese are concerned about normalisation in South Asia and desire improvement in law and order before any major investment could be made in the region. On the cultural front, Chinese and Urdu languages should be encouraged in both the countries and more Pakistani students should be sent for higher education to China and European countries in humanities, social and physical sciences. It is sad that no separate China Institute exists in the country.
In sum, out of all South Asian countries, Pak-China relations have acquired an almost "textbook" character. Regardless of domestic changes in governments, these relations have maintained an "all-weather" character. However, certain unfortunate killings of Chinese engineers in Gwadar do not bode well for the Chinese confidence in making sustained investments.
South Asians, especially the Pakistanis, have many lessons to learn from the Chinese experiment in massive social engineering: for one, it is important to have normal working relations with immediate neighbours in order to concentrate on national development; secondly, to elicit respect it is important to be economically strong and self-reliant; thirdly, to undertake pragmatic shifts in policies in line with fast changes at global and regional levels are important, and, fourthly, to promote people-centred and welfare oriented policies. And finally but not the least overt ideologisation and harping on revanchist claims have to be modified at the altar of greater national development. Also, the Chinese experience has demonstrated that large population is not necessarily a liability, but an asset for national development, if properly put to use by a committed, visionary and people-centred leadership.
Maqsudul
Hasan Nuri,
The News, 6 June 2004
<http://www.jang.com.pk/thenews/jun2004-daily/06-06-2004/oped/o4.htm>
Pakistan for China in SAARC
To counter India in SAARC, Pakistan is pushing to include China as a member, and last month, it urged Sri Lanka, as the current head of SAARC, to move an official proposal to that end.
In Islamabad in January, to India’s chagrin, Pakistan PM Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali moved a proposal to expand SAARC to accommodate new members, and during one-to-one meetings during the SAARC Summit later, Pakistan more directly brought up China’s inclusion, but the Indian side was unresponsive.
For three years now, China has been keen to join SAARC, with Pakistan its most spirited backer, and during A.B.Vajpayee’s visit to China as PM in June 2003, China said it was impressed with the idea of SAFTA, and hinted at wanting to join it.
Earlier, besides Pakistan, Maldives favoured China in SAARC but backed out subsequently, and now, Pakistan claims support from Nepal and Sri Lanka, although neither country has publicly said so.
The Indian position is that SAARC has to consolidate before it can take on new members, especially a giant like China, and as for SAFTA, it has not even taken off.
India’s private concern is that, once in, China will take over SAARC’s leadership, and that this will benefit Pakistan to the detriment of everyone else, big or small, like India and the rest.
Diplomats said that Pakistan’s aim is to float Pakistan’s membership issue in such fashion publicly that no one opposes it, not wanting to be seen going against a great power.
7
June 2004
<http://www.newsinsight.net/nati2.asp?recno=2787&ctg=Defence>
Sino-Pak Policy: Carrot and the Stick
Every May, Sirbuz Khan, 26, makes his way north along the Karakorum Highway from Islamabad and spends the next six to seven months moving around China's Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region buying silk for his family's cloth business.
Business is good – for every five meters of pure white silk Khan buys, he can make a profit of 800 rupees selling suits and dresses to the Indian market. Ali Hussein, 27, also from Islamabad, operates a trucking company out of Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang. His company transports as much as 100 tons of goods per month through the Karakorum Pass to Rawalpindi and west to Tashkent, capital of Uzbekistan, for as long as the trading season lasts.
"We pay much less in taxes here," said Hussein. "If it were not for winter, when the pass closes, I would live here all year."
A series of agreements signed between China and Pakistan last November and this spring involving Preferential Trade, a proposed Free Trade Zone, permission for Pakistani cargo trucks to pass through China on their way to Central Asia and Pakistan's decision this week to approve construction of a joint Sino-Pak nuclear plant highlights a strategic relationship that is one of the most dynamic in South Asia.
Sino-Pak trade reached $2.4 billion last year – meager when compared with Sino-Indian ($7.5 billion) and Sino-U.S. ($126 billion), but substantial when considering Xinjiang's growth rate and China's goals for the province.
Xinjiang reached a record high $3 billion in foreign trade last year, up 49% from 2002 and also registered the highest growth rate in the nation in terms of exports, up 85% to $1.35 billion.
China's Preferential Trade Agreement with Pakistan went into effect in January 2004. This agreement guaranteed concessions for 800 Pakistani goods, ranging from 27% to 0% tariffs and similar concessions for 200 Chinese goods. The size, location and scope the proposed Sino-Pak Free Trade Zone will be finalized after the completion of the Gwadar Port – a joint Sino-Pak project – later this year.
A similar Free Trade Zone between China and Kazakhstan is already under construction near the HuoErGuoSi Port in northwest Xinjiang. The Free Trade Zone will encompass 200 hectares and house nine IT companies as well as China's largest sofa manufacturer, Zhejiang Kasen Industrial.
"We are all Muslim here," said Hussein. "This is our advantage – soon it will be very easy to sell goods all over [the Central Asian region] – we will get very rich."
But Uighur Muslims have a mixed view of their Pakistani counterparts. Pakistanis bring Indian movies with them – which some Uighur find offensive for their sexual content – and tend to enjoy themselves in the less religious atmosphere of China.
"They marry Uighur women and take them back to Pakistan and make them into slaves or prostitutes," said Ali, a Uighur Kashgar native. "The girls see the Pakistani and Indian movies and think the actors are really hot."
Guluz Khan, a Uighur woman from Kashgar, runs a Pakistani cafe and entertains a community of Pakistani businessmen everyday. Her husband, also Pakistani, comes for six months each year and visits Guluz and their daughter, Aidinya.
"Some girls do go [to Pakistan] and get embarrassed," she said. "But you have to consider the individual – there are cross-cultural marriages that work."
Increased trade and strong political ties with Pakistan are the most important aspects of China's Xinjiang policy. Last November, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf and Chinese President Hu Jintao agreed to fight the "three evils" – extremism, ethnic separatism and terrorism.
The Uighur minority is predominantly Muslim and has reportedly looked to Afghan and Pakistani Muslims for support in their struggle against the repression of their religion, the exclusion of most Uighur from Xinjiang's vast natural resources, lack of political voice and the massive migration of Han Chinese to Xinjiang in the past five to 10 years. The "three evils" President Hu spoke of deal primarily with the Uighur minority.
In order to minimize the threat of "the three evils" China and Pakistan have signed border patrol and extradition treaties, focusing on Chinese nationals – specifically Uighur minority members – apprehended in the borderlands between Afghanistan, Pakistan and China.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is also part of China's policy of engaging neighboring states in trade while signing various security-based agreements. Chinese policy is to keep the Uighur minority from rising up against Beijing's rule while enriching Xinjiang as quickly as possible in order to remove the impetus for revolt.
To highlight Beijing's sensitivity to the danger of a Uighur revolt, a car bomb attack last May at the Gwadar Port construction site that killed three Chinese engineers was blamed on the Balochi minority – angry at being excluded from the economic benefits of the project – by Pakistani authorities, but the Chinese insisted that Uighur "separatists" hiding in the mountains were responsible for the attack. Beijing has criticized Pakistani border authorities in the past for allowing Muslim "extremists" to cross into China and proselytize – a Pakistani was arrested last year for selling "illegal" copies of the Koran and other Islamic literature.
But if China's policy of engaging its western neighbors in trade and enriching Xinjiang continues apace, there will likely be little need for draconian measures to keep the Uighur minority in check – they will too busy getting a piece of the pie.
Sascha Matuszak, 31 July 2004
<http://www.antiwar.com/matuszak/?articleid=3216>
Drill Tests Sino-Pakistani Forces
More than 200 Chinese and Pakistani elite troops held their first joint anti-terrorism exercises named "Friendship 2004," in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, Northwest China's Uygur Autonomous Region on Friday afternoon.
The live-fire drill, on the Pamirs at above 4,000 metres, involved encirclement, assault and mop-up practices, achieved "great success," said Major General Cheng Bing with the professional group of the joint training.
The exercise is aimed to further strengthen co-operation between the two countries and armies in non-traditional security field and maintain security and stability in the region, improve the capacity of jointly combating terrorism, separatism and extremism," Cheng said.
The exercise, participated by China's People's Liberation Army and the Armed Forces of Pakistan, also used "most advanced weapons," giving joint demonstration of anti-terrorism operations, according to Pakistan military source.
Cheng said the exercise proved the Pakistan troops have rich experience in information collection and organizing combat operations, saying each side shared successful exchanges.
China has accused some Uygur nationals in Xinjiang as well as in other areas, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, of being part of the "East Turkistan'' terrorist groups, saying that hundreds of Uygur nationals were training in Afghanistan and/or fighting for the Taliban and al-Qaida. In August and September of 2002, the United States and United Nations also added the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) to their list of terrorist organizations.
The Chinese Ministry of Public Security publicized a list of the first identified "East Turkistan" terrorist organizations and 11 terrorists by the ministry last December, which drew active responses from the international community.
China has reiterated its firm support for international co-operation in combating terrorism and its hope of gaining more assistance from other countries for its anti-terror endeavors.
China has thanked Pakistan's efforts in combating terrorism and wished for greater and closer co-operation with Pakistan and other countries.
Hasan Mahsum, head of ETIM, was shot dead by the Pakistani army last October in a joint anti-terrorism raid along the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Just last month, China and Pakistan have agreed on a working plan for taking effective measures to prevent and combat terrorism.
Pakistan Interior Minister Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat held detailed discussion with Chinese leaders for effectively dealing with their common security concerns during his four-day visit in China.
During his talks with Chinese Minister for Public Security Zhou Yongkang, it was decided that the sides will enhance co-operation in strengthening their existing security network for providing peace and security to their people.
The relevant agencies of the countries are in contact round the-clock to monitor and control the activities of the terrorist groups in their respective territory, inside and around the border area, said the interior minister.
Pakistan joined the international coalition against the war on terrorism and became a frontline state in this fight since the terrorist attacks on the United States in September of 2001.
China fully supports combating international terrorism and also expresses its complete support for Pakistan's principled policy to assist the international community in its fight against terrorism.
China Daily, 7 August 2004
<http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-08/07/content_362948.htm>
‘Pivot of Asia’ Sees China-Pakistan Manoeuvres
What is the context and meaning of the three-day joint Pakistan-China military
exercises that began on August 4 in Xinjiang in China's far west?
I see the implications and context as particularly significant in three areas. First, the exercises might say something about the situation in Xinjiang itself. Then there are the emerging international relations in the Central and South Asian regions, where a struggle against terrorism had been creating profound effects even well before the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. And finally, what about the West, and especially the United States: do they have any significance for Xinjiang and its region?
The joint exercises are also part of an unnecessary show of force against Uighur separatism. In my opinion, there is indeed terrorism in Xinjiang, but it is not nearly as serious as the Chinese authorities appear to think. Chinese repression is far more severe than any legitimate fear of terrorism and separatism would warrant.
The drill included live firing and took place in Taxkorgan, a very high-elevation region very near China's border with Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Pakistan. The people of the area are mostly Tajiks, a Muslim ethnic minority who speak an Iranian language and numbered 41,028 souls according to China's national census of November 2000. The stated purpose of the exercises, which were code named simply "Friendship 2004", was to strengthen military cooperation between Pakistan and China against terrorism and maintain regional stability.
I argue that the military exercises are a symbol of Chinese power, showing willingness and ability to suppress all signs of terrorism and separatism in Xinjiang. They are also a symbol of China's growing diplomatic influence and skills in the Central and South Asian regions and its ability to use that influence against separatism and terrorism in the region, and especially within its own borders. They occur in a context that sees China's relations with the United States as somewhat unstable, but currently basically positive. Both countries want success in the war against terrorism but have different policies and interests in some areas, such as the war in Iraq and China's call for Taiwan reunification. Whether the military exercises will succeed in maintaining regional stability remains to be seen, but there is a good chance they will.
The Situation in Xinjiang
Xinjiang lies in China's far northwest, bordering seven countries. In a book first published in 1950, the great specialist on China and Central Asia, Owen Lattimore, called it the "pivot of Asia" for its position in Asia's ethnic, economic and strategic affairs. In area, it is China's largest province-level unit and has a population of nearly 20 million.
Xinjiang is multiethnic. With 45.2%, according to the 2000 census, the most populous ethnic group is the Uighurs, a Turkic and Muslim people, but immigration by the Han Chinese has meant that they are now not that far behind the Uighurs themselves (40.6%, 2000 census). Other than the Mongols, descended from the people who once controlled Xinjiang, the great majority of the ethnic minorities there are Muslims.
Separatist movements and feelings have long been widespread, most notably among the Uighurs. Most recently, a small-scale uprising in 1990 sparked renewed anti-Chinese hostility that persists to this day. The 1990s saw a series of riots and disturbances, most notably in February 1997. All of them were suppressed by the Chinese authorities, who are determined to keep Xinjiang within China and quell any separatism. Some of these separatist incidents can be described as terrorist in the sense of targeting civilians.
Chinese reports suggest that the number of separatist and terrorist incidents has declined in the first few years of the 21st century by comparison with the 1990s. In January 2002 the Chinese authorities issued a document detailing incidents that had occurred between 1990 and 2001, claiming that Uighur separatists had been responsible for more than 200 terrorist incidents, but only one of the 162 deaths caused was in 2001. Yet China has taken advantage of the September 11 attacks to step up its crackdown on Uighur separatism. In December 2003, Chinese authorities issued a list of organizations they regarded as terrorist and 11 specific people they regarded as terrorist leaders, not only in China but also overseas.
The reality is that there are indeed terrorists among those Uighurs who wish to split from China and set up an independent East Turkestan Republic. There are also separatists who oppose violence of all kinds and could not be regarded as terrorists. There are Islamic separatists, and secular nationalists, as well as people with a range of other positions. Most Uighurs would like to keep out of such arguments and get on with a peaceful life.
One of the factors that is exacerbating the situation even further is narcotics and the spread of HIV/AIDS. The fact is that, of all China's provinces, Xinjiang is now among the most severely affected with HIV/AIDS, and one of the reasons for this is the increase in drug addiction and shared needles. The government is blaming Uighurs disproportionately for this phenomenon, and linking drug addiction and HIV/AIDS with cross-border narcotics smuggling. This gives authorities the excuse they want to brand Islam and the Uighurs as drug smugglers, addicts and spreaders of HIV/AIDS - and this exacerbates and worsens the situation for the Uighurs.
Given the reduction in the incidence of terrorism, HIV/AIDS is probably a bigger threat to Xinjiang's future than either separatism or terrorism. To be fair, the Chinese government seems at last to be waking up to the destructive potential of AIDS in Xinjiang and elsewhere. But what the joint military exercises do is keep the focus on terrorism and separatism based on Islamic extremism. This priority may be both unnecessary and contrary to the best interests of the Central Asian region.
International Relations in Central Asia
In April 1996, the presidents of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan met in Shanghai - the so-called "Shanghai Five" - to begin a series of annual meetings. In June 2001, they were joined by the president of Uzbekistan and formed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). These six presidents have continued to meet annually, most recently in June 2004 in the Uzbekistan capital Tashkent. One of the aims of the Shanghai Five and then the SCO was to counter terrorism, Islamic extremism and separatism, which all six countries are determined to stamp out.
The SCO also aims to expand economic and other relations among its member countries. One of China's top current projects is an oil pipeline of nearly 1,000 kilometers, expected to be completed next year. It will transfer oil from the Caspian Sea through Kazakhstan and into China.
Just before the June 2004 SCO meeting, Chinese President Hu Jintao held formal meetings with Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov. Hu and Karimov signed an agreement to cooperate in combating terrorism, separatism and extremism, including against the Uighur separatists and terrorists in Xinjiang.
Uzbekistan is significant in the present context. There are several factors here. First, Karimov is a leader who has come under heavy criticism in the West for his willingness to commit human-rights abuses and to cast his net excessively wide in his zeal to stamp out terrorism. Second, the Uzbeks are very close culturally to the Uighurs, and there is a significant Uighur diaspora in Uzbekistan. Finally, Uzbekistan has lately been the site of several suicide bombing attacks, including those at the end of July, when suicide bombers in Tashkent struck the American and Israeli embassies, killing at least two Uzbeks.
China has also expanded its influence substantially in Kyrgyzstan. Late in 2002, China and Kyrgyzstan carried out joint military exercises along the Chinese-Kyrgyz border. The next year a political crisis erupted in Kyrgyzstan over an unpopular decision to cede some border territory formerly in Kyrgyzstan to China.
All SCO member countries also contributed to a joint anti-terrorist exercise in August 2003. SCO Secretary-General Zhang Deguang claimed at the end of July 2004 that this exercise had been "the SCO's most important collaboration to date, showing how a multinational cross-border force could be mobilized against attacks".
The friendship China has developed diplomatically with the countries of Central Asia has one other implication. In order to conciliate China and to further their own interests, the governments of Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have sent back to China those Uighurs trying to flee Xinjiang as refugees. In a report from Ankara on July 7, 2004, Kahriman Gojamberdi, representative of the German-based World Uighur Congress, claimed that Uighurs who were fleeing the crackdown in Xinjiang itself were still being sent back secretly from Kazakhstan.
China-Pakistan-India
China and Pakistan have been on good terms for a long time. By contrast, India
and Pakistan are traditional enemies, while China has had very unstable
relations with India. Currently, there is a thawing of relations between India
on the one hand and Pakistan and China on the other, while China's relations
with Pakistan continue to improve.
Pakistan has played a crucial role in the war against terrorism. It is a strongly Islamic country, and President General Pervez Musharraf is a strong Muslim. Moreover, it has a border with Afghanistan, and many even believe that al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden is actually in Pakistan. Islamic radicalism has a good deal of support in the border region.
Musharraf declared himself a supporter of the United States-led war against terrorism from the start. However, his stand has earned him a good deal of hostility at home, including assassination attempts, because many Pakistanis believe he should be giving support to his Muslim brothers, not to the American infidels, let alone Chinese communists.
Musharraf has become an increasingly strong opponent of terrorism. His army has carried out major operations designed to eliminate terrorism from the border regions. One in March 2004, which took place in South Wazaristan near the border with Afghanistan, succeeded in capturing or killing quite a few al-Qaeda militants. On the other hand, the army had hoped to capture bin Laden, which it failed to do.
As for China, Pakistan has shown itself to be very helpful against separatism and terrorism in Xinjiang. The body the Chinese have described as the most important separatist organization in Xinjiang is the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). In October 2003 the Pakistan military killed ETIM leader Hasan Mahsum in an army operation. Despite his death, China still included him in its list of terrorists published in December 2003.
This month's joint military Pakistan-China military exercise is another demonstration of a genuine and strengthening friendship between China and Pakistan, and especially a genuine wish for both to cooperate against terrorism. Clearly, the Pakistan government accepts China's desire to stamp out separatism in Xinjiang, even though the Uighurs are fellow Muslims, and it agrees with China's protestations that these separatists are terrorists. If the Pakistanis are in doubt about this, they are not letting it get in the way of military cooperation with China.
Sino-Western Relations
Among the Western countries, the situation in Xinjiang involves mainly the United States. The United States wants good relations with Pakistan and is pleased at the recent attempts the Pakistan authorities have been making to step up their fight against terrorism.
The United States has been closely involved in the emerging strategic balance of power in Central Asia. Since September 11, it has established military bases in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan for the first time.
Traditionally, the region has been in the Russian sphere of influence. When the Soviet Union collapsed at the end of 1991, Chinese influence began to expand, both economically and strategically. But with the war against terrorism that followed September 11, the United States also became involved in the region militarily. This expansion of American influence is deeply worrying both to Russia and China, which see their own clout under threat.
The United States has viewed the developing situation in Xinjiang with mixed feelings. On the one hand, it has been deeply worried by the human-rights implications of what has developed and has made its feelings known on many occasions. On the other hand, since September 11 it has been very keen for China's support in its own war against terrorism.
In August 2002, the United States recognized ETIM as a terrorist organization, followed soon by the United Nations. China has been keen for the United States to recognize other bodies as terrorist, but Washington has not been prepared to go further. On the contrary, since August 2002 the United States seems to have been moving in the opposite direction. For example, in December 2002, Lorne Craner, US assistant secretary of state for human rights, gave a speech at the University of Xinjiang in Urumqi, arguing that the struggle against terrorism should never be allowed to compromise human rights, implying that this was precisely what China was doing.
Actually, human-rights activists believe that the war against terrorism is compromising human rights in most countries, including the United States. But human-rights activists also think that China's behavior in Xinjiang is a particularly obvious and serious case of human-rights abuses made worse by the war against terrorism. Bodies such as Amnesty International have been very critical of China's human-rights abuses in general, but singled out Beijing's activities in Xinjiang for special condemnation.
Two events in mid-2004 showed the administration of US President George W Bush was moving against the Chinese government in policy on Xinjiang and the Uighurs. In April, the National Endowment for Democracy, which is funded by the American government, gave US$75,000 to the Uyghur American Association, a body that is total anathema to the Chinese government because it advocates an independent Uighur state. This was the first time the National Endowment has given a grant to a Uighur exile group.
In May the US Department of State announced that it was discussing with Chinese counterparts a request that some Uighur prisoners in Guantanamo Bay should be repatriated to Xinjiang. However, the Americans later rejected the request on the grounds that the Uighurs would likely suffer persecution at home from Chinese authorities, even being tortured or killed. In the delicate balance between promoting human rights and conciliating China in the interests of the overall war against terrorism, both actions seemed to favor human rights. Not surprisingly, the Chinese authorities were furious, considering the grant an act of interference in their domestic affairs.
Other than the United States, the Western country most involved in the Xinjiang issue is Germany. This is because there is a very significant Uighur diaspora there and because it is home to several Uighur diaspora bodies the Chinese consider terrorist. The best known of them is the World Uyghur Youth Congress, based in Munich. This was one of the bodies China had tagged as terrorist in December 2003.
In April, Munich hosted another Uighur congress to organize Uighurs from around the world to promote Uighur unity and the Uighur cause in general. While most participants wanted a fully independent Uighur nation-state, others were prepared to settle for a high degree of autonomy within China that would be less than full independence.
The Chinese did everything they could to get the meeting cancelled, arguing that its aim was separatist and terrorist. The German authorities did comply with the Chinese to some extent; for example, they were quite careful about the people to whom they issued visas and they kept an eye on what was happening. But they did not force the cancellation of the meeting, which went ahead as planned.
The congress saw the formation of a united World Uyghur Congress. This was in itself an achievement, given that Uighur bodies have been notoriously fractured, with some advocating violence, others rejecting it as counterproductive and wrong, even terrorist. The man the congress elected as its head is Erkin Alptekin, who has been involved in Uighur diaspora affairs for many years. The policy he advocates is dialogue with Beijing and autonomy rather than full independence and non-violence. Certainly he rejects totally any suggestion that he is a terrorist.
Conclusion
The Pakistan-China joint military exercises in Xinjiang show that China is
continuing to expand its relations with its neighbors, in large part for the
purpose of suppressing any hint of Uighur separatism or terrorism. These
states may share Islam with the terrorists, but they certainly do not share
any wish to destabilize the situation in Central Asia, including Xinjiang.
They will be quite prepared to tolerate human rights abuses against fellow
Muslims if that's what their interests appear to require. China is taking
advantage of this dilemma for its own purposes.
The military maneuvers are also part of an unnecessary demonstration of military muscle against Uighur separatism.
This newly founded united World Uyghur Congress may be more effective than earlier such bodies, but most likely will not make more than a small dent in Beijing's approach. As it acknowledges, it depends more or less totally on the United States, which is unlikely to offer much support of the kind that really matters. Certainly, the World Uyghur Congress will get no military support from the United States, which is much more interested in maintaining China's support for its war against terrorism. It seems to me most unlikely that Uighur separatism, or even genuine autonomy, has any real chance of success in the foreseeable future.
Colin Mackerras is foundation professor in the Department of International Business and Asian Studies at Griffith University, Queensland, Australia. He has visited Xinjiang four times, most recently in October-November 2003. He has written extensively on ethnic issues in China, including Xinjiang. His most recent authored book is China's Ethnic Minorities and Globalization, and most recent edited book is Ethnicity in Asia. He can be reached at c.mackerras@griffith.edu.au.
Colin Mackerras, Asia Times, 13 August 2004
<http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/FH13Ad01.html>
Sino-Pak Legislatures to Advance Ties
China's top legislator Wu Bangguo met with Chaudhry Amir Hussain, speaker of the Pakistani National Assembly, in Beijing on Wednesday. Wu suggested that the National People's Congress (NPC) and National Assembly build on established cooperative ties to promote exchanges on lawmaking and supervision in the future.
Wu pointed out that Sino-Pakistani friendship has withstood the tests of time and changing international situations.
The leaders of the two countries have maintained frequent contacts and consulted on major international and regional issues. Bilateral economic and trade cooperation has expanded, with a number of large projects running smoothly.
He said that the further promotion of Sino-Pakistani relations conforms to the fundamental interests of the two countries and peoples. "China is thankful for the support of Pakistan on the Taiwan, Tibet and human rights issues," he said.
Hussain said Pakistan and China have enjoyed an "all-weather" friendship. He expressed gratitude for China's assistance to Pakistan, and reaffirmed that Pakistan supports China's positions on Taiwan, Tibet and human rights.
He expressed condolences to the Chinese victims in the recent hostage incident in Pakistan, and stated that the Pakistani government will intensify strikes against terrorism to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
Xinhua News Agency, 28 October 2004
<Shttp://www.china.org.cn/english/2004/Oct/110605.htm>
China Supports Pakistan's Position on Terrorism
BEIJING (China): China supports Pakistan's position, addressing the root cause of terrorism that is poverty, social disparities and bilateral disputes at various levels.
When asked to comment on President Pervez Musharraf's recent talks held with US President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair on the issue of terrorism, a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Office Zhang Qiyue said, "We support the idea of eliminating root-cause of terrorism by addressing economic and political issues."
Multilateral Approach
"We believe in taking multilateral approaches to root out terrorism," she said adding the Chinese government is holding regular consultation with its friends on this issue.
She said terrorism is common enemy of entire international community, causing great threat to peace and development. The international community should strengthen coordination in this regard, so as to combat terrorism.
China's position is quite clear on this issue. We oppose terrorism in any form. We have very sound cooperation with many countries in the world at multi-lateral forums to eliminate terrorism, she added.
Foreign Desk Report, Pakistan Times, 9 December 2004
<http://pakistantimes.net/2004/12/09/top4.htm>
Pakistan Recognizes China's Full Market Economy
Status
On December 15 2004, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council held talks with his Pakistani counterpart Aziz. During the talks, Aziz declared that the Pakistani side recognizes China's full market economy status. Both of the two sides believe that this will help to promote further developments
16 December 2004
<http://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/wjb/zzjg/yzs/gjlb/2757/2758/t176556.htm>
Pakistan, China Sign 7 Deals on Projects
Visiting Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz yesterday concluded a series of agreements on major projects with Chinese leaders, injecting new economic energy into the bilateral a relationship marked by an "all-weather" partnership.
Aziz's visit, his first to China as prime minister, is seen as part of continuing high-level exchanges between China and Pakistan. President Pervez Musharraf visited Beijing last November during which the two countries signed a joint declaration on the future developments of Chinese-Pakistani co-operation.
The primary objective of Aziz's visit is economic links and enhanced commercial interactions, according to Pakistan officials. They added that Pakistan hopes to expand co-operation with Chinese private and small- and medium-sized enterprises.
Yesterday, the two sides penned seven agreements, including a protocol on issues involving preferential trade arrangements and a free trade agreement, and vowed to discuss details on establishing a free trade zone between the two countries.
In addition, Aziz announced yesterday that Pakistan recognizes China's full market economy status.
The prime minister, with an 80-member entourage that includes senior officials and business leaders, will also visit the commercial port of Shanghai on Friday and hold talks with business people there to encourage them to invest in Pakistan.
During yesterday's meeting, Premier Wen Jiabao suggested the two sides give priority to the exploration of energy and resources in their future economic co-operation and strengthen exchanges in the field of agriculture.
Expressing appreciation for China's official support and economic aid to the social development of Pakistan, Aziz said his country welcomes additional Chinese entrepreneurs.
The two countries have undertaken a number of key infrastructure projects in Pakistan, including roads, dams, ports and hydroelectric plants.
Currently, more than 3,000 Chinese nationals are working in Pakistan on major projects.
This is also the first high-level visit of any Pakistani leader to China after the October's hostage-taking episode near South Waziristan that culminated in the death of a Chinese engineer working on the Gomal Zam dam project.
Although the Chinese side has indicated the tragedy would not influence China-Pakistan co-operation, some worried it would shake Chinese nationals' confidence of working on economic projects in Pakistan and affect Chinese capital injection there.
The leaders of the two countries yesterday also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the India-Pakistan peace process and anti-terrorism campaign.
Beijing welcomed and supported the ongoing Indo-Pakistani peace process.
Meanwhile, Wen called China and Pakistan, which are threatened by terrorism and extremism, to jointly implement prevention measures and enhance co-operation in anti-terrorism efforts.
Last year, the two countries conducted their first joint naval exercises near the Shanghai coast.
The highly successful drill, simulating an emergency rescue, was the first time either country had engaged in joint naval operations with another nation.
Hu Xiao (China Daily), 16 December 2004 <http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-12/16/content_400473.htm>
China, Pakistan Vow to Further Economic, Anti-
Terrorism Cooperation
China will enhance cooperation with Pakistan in economic and anti-terrorism activities, Premier Wen Jiabao said Wednesday, adding that China welcomes the improvement of Pakistan-India ties.
"China and Pakistan have established an all-weather, all-around cooperative partnership despite volatile international changes," Wen told Pakistanis Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing.
Sino-Pakistani trade increased steadily in recent years, and the two countries conducted fruitful cooperation in infrastructure construction, Wen said. He noted that the two economies were complementary and have "great potential."
Wen suggested the two sides to speed up the study of establishing a free trade area (FTA) and focus on energy, natural resources cooperation and agriculture.
Aziz told Wen that Pakistan recognizes China's full market economy status, which helps pave the way for the forging of an FTA.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of seven economic agreements, including one on trade facilitation and FTA study, after their talks.
China is eager to further cooperation with Pakistan in educational and cultural fields, such as teaching of the Chinese language, higher education, science and arts, Wen acknowledged.
However, terrorism and extremism were directly endangering the security of both China and Pakistan, as well as regional peace and stability, Wen said, urging the two countries to take further actions and enhance anti-terrorism cooperation.
Wen said that China endeavors to develop friendly and cooperative ties with all neighboring countries, including South Asian nations.
"China welcomes the constant improvement of Pakistan-India ties," Wen said. "China will play an active role in promoting peace, stability and development in South Asia."
Wen said he appreciated Pakistan's support on the Taiwan issue and other problems concerning Chinese sovereignty and core interest.
Aziz agreed with Wen's remarks on bilateral ties, saying that the Pakistan people took pride in their friendly relations with China.
Pakistan and China have had fruitful cooperation in politics, economy, foreign affairs and personnel exchange, Aziz said. He said the exchange of high-level visits strongly backed the development of bilateral relations.
Trade and economic ties were "booming with great potential," and China's political support and economic aid helped Pakistan's economic and social development, he said, adding that Pakistan's government and people appreciate that.
The Pakistan Prime Minister said he hope that more Chinese entrepreneurs would participate in his country's economic progress, especially in trade and investment, culture and tourism.
Pakistan was holding comprehensive dialogue with India and was willing to settle problems on the basis of equality and peaceful coexistence, Aziz said. Pakistan hopes China will continuously play an active role for the peace in the region, he said.
Shaukat Aziz arrived in Beijing Tuesday night for a five-day official visit. It's his first visit to China after assumption of the Prime Minister in August this year.
People’s
Daily, 16
December 2004
<http://english.people.com.cn/200412/16/eng20041216_167516.html>
The seven agreements signed between Pakistan and China in Beijing on Wednesday should serve to bring the two countries even closer. The accords are in addition to the general framework agreement relating to the utilization of $500 million buyers' credit meant for Chinese companies setting up projects in Pakistan.
This should help boost Chinese investment which at present stands at four billion dollars in Pakistan. As Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokhar put it, the agreements would take the existing economic relationship between the two countries to "a higher level".
The seven new agreements come a year after the two countries signed seven agreements during President Pervez Musharraf's visit to China last year. During that visit, the two countries also adopted "a roadmap" designed to define their relationship in all spheres and pledged to fight what President Hu Jintao called "three forces" - ethnic separatism, extremism and terrorism.
Already, China is involved in the construction of some mega projects in Pakistan. These include the Gwadar port - with the first phase already completed - the Saindak copper mines, and a number of other energy projects, including the Chashma II nuclear power plant.
All these economic agreements highlight the warmth and close understanding that has defined their relationship since Prime Ministers Mohammad Ali Bogra and Zhou En-lai formed a personal equation at Bandung in 1955.
This was followed by the signing of an agreement defining the border between China and areas whose defence was in Pakistan's hands. Subsequently, all governments in the two countries continued to adhere to a policy of close political and economic cooperation.
Among the earliest landmark agreements were the construction of the Karakoram Highway and the aviation accord, under which PIA became the first airlines in the world to operate a service to and from China.
Since then their "all-weather friendship" has reached a stage where it is truly called "higher than the Karakorams and deeper than the Arabian Sea". Since 1978-79, things in China have changed dramatically.
The "open door" policy and the reforms launched by Deng Xiaoping have turned China into one of the world's strongest economic powers. At the current parity rate, its 1.3 trillion-dollar economy is second only to America's.
Chinese products have flooded the world, it has made a breakthrough in science and technology, and has become the third country in the world to send a man into space. As its friend and neighbour Pakistan has a lot to learn from China.
The Chinese people have a high work ethic, and seem to have realized that the acquisition of modern technology and the development of human resources are the key to a country's economic progress.
The astonishing progress one sees in China has been possible because the Chinese leadership has followed pragmatic policies instead of adhering rigidly to dogma. More important, it has been able to focus the people's attention on economic progress and ensure their participation in the development process. Pakistan should emulate China in these fields.
While discussing China-Pakistan relations, one cannot but note the two tragic incidents in which our Chinese guests were targeted by criminals. Three Chinese engineers were killed in Gwadar in May and another Chinese engineer was murdered by fanatics in the NWFP.
Yet, Beijing declared categorically that such incidents would make no difference to its cooperation with Pakistan. One expects Pakistan to provide maximum security to its Chinese guests and bring justice to those who have committed these heinous acts.
Editorial, Dawn,
17 December 2004
<http://www.dawn.com/2004/12/17/ed.htm>
Pak-China Relations
Mr Aziz's current visit to China bears extraordinary significance for a number
of reasons. For example, the visit is taking place in the backdrop of a strong
feeling by the leaderships of the two countries that their relations in the
economic and trade sector are not commensurate with the excellent ties they
have in the diplomatic and political arenas.
Under a well defined regional strategy, China during the last about two decades has successfully engaged its neighboring countries in mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation. The establishment of these relationships was accompanied or preceded by reduction of tensions on the borders through the resolution of territorial disputes with its neighbors.
This has greatly facilitated Beijing's endeavors to enhance the level of bilateral trade and economic cooperation with countries of Southeast Asia and Central Asia. The latest example of Chinese successful bid to expand trade ties with the neighboring countries is the recently concluded Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with ASEAN, which has led to the creation of one of he largest trading group in the world.
It is true that China is helping Pakistan in a number of projects like the deep-sea Gwader port Project and Thar Coal Project, but given the potential for the growth of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, the level of economic cooperation and the volume of two way trade is abysmally low.
There was a time, when China was the largest trading partner of Pakistan; but now it has been replaced by the United States followed by Germany and UK, in terms of the percentage of total exports of Pakistan. As China is trying to promote its trade relations with other countries of South and Southeast Asia, Pakistan should not lag behind and try to catch up with the prevailing trends in inter-state relations, which give priority to the economic cooperation and the promotion of trade.
Apart from trade and economic cooperation, security and cooperation against international terrorism is another area in which both the countries are likely to focus during Prime Minister's visit to China. Following the killing of Chinese engineers in Gwader and South Wazirstan, the Chinese seem particularly concerned about the security of their workers engaged in the work on various projects in Pakistan. It should also be noted that Pakistan and China have recently concluded bilateral agreement to strengthen cooperation against trans-national terrorism. For this purpose Pakistan's former interior minister, Mr. Faisal Saleh Hayat visited China and held wide-ranging talks with the Chinese officials on the mechanisms of cementing bilateral cooperation against terrorism, which the two countries perceive as a common threat.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz's China visit gains added significance in view of the fact that the Government of Pakistan under his leadership is reorienting country's policy towards South Asia. Since China has shown its keen interest in establishing close relationships with SAARC on institutional basis, the Chinese would be particularly interested to hear from the prime minister of Pakistan about the prospects of sustainable progress of regional cooperation under SAARC process and Pakistan's perspectives on peace and security in South Asia.
The issue of peace and security in the South Asian region is of particular concern to the Chinese not only because of geographical contiguity and historical links with the countries of the region, but also because of its existing regional strategy under which China is seeking peaceful and tension free environment on its borders. Under this strategy, China has engaged India in reducing the tension on the common Himalayan border, promoting trade and cooperation in the economic and cultural fields and holding discussions on the resolution of border dispute.
Under the same strategy, China has normalized its relationship with Russia. The two countries have not only boosted their bilateral trade during the last five years, they have also entered into a strategic relationship to maintain security in the region and fight against the forces of terrorism, which threaten the peace and stability of the region. It is not only mutually beneficial trade and equitable cooperation in the economic field that is driving China to come closer to its neighbors, the threat posed by terrorists and extremists to the peace, security, stability and national unity of the states in the region, including China is also an important factor in motivating the Chinese to enter into cooperative relationship with its neighbors, including Pakistan.
From Pakistan's perspective, the reinforcement of its relationship with China in the political, diplomatic, economic and commercial areas, is imperative for three main reasons: First, with fast growth rate, China is seeking to expand its economic relationships with other countries, especially the neighboring countries through the promotion of bilateral trade, joint ventures and investment. As Pakistan has also aimed at high growth rate for the year 2004-5, collaboration with China will greatly facilitate Pakistan in achieving its goal of economic growth in the next few years.
Second, China is one of the key players of peace diplomacy in South Asia. Together with the US, UK, Russia, Japan and EU, China has played an important role in facilitating Pakistan and India in resuming the stalled talks for the normalization of their bilateral relations. China has welcomed the on-going peace process and composite dialogue between Pakistan and India; and has urged the two countries not to lose the opportunity of establishing lasting peace in the region, which would be in the interest of both.
Thirdly, Pakistan and China are both faced with the challenge of extremism and terrorism, which has become an international phenomenon. The two countries have already done some groundwork for combating the menace of terrorism. The visit will certainly help strengthen the cooperation between the two countries to pool their resources to wage the fight against terrorism. It is hoped that Prime Minister Shahkat Aziz'z visit will not only reinforce the existing friendly ties between Pakistan and China in the political and diplomatic fields, it will also provide the much needed impetus to the growth of cooperation between the two countries in economic and commercial areas.
Rashid Ahmad Khan,
The Nation, 17 December 2004
<http://nation.com.pk/daily/dec-2004/17/columns4.php>
Of Sino-Pakistan Ties
Giving impetus to their fabulous relations, much higher than the mighty mountains of the Himalayan range and much deeper than any Oceanic, Pakistan and China on Wednesday signed seven agreements in trade, communications and energy sectors and drew up a framework for greater economic cooperation.
The accords signed during visit of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz [14-18 December 2004] envisage increase in bilateral trade, further movement on Preferential Trade Agreement, setting up of joint agro-based industries in Export Processing zones and increased Chinese investment in Pakistan.
Exchange of high-level visits is the hallmark of relationship between Pakistan and China. However, these visits never prove to be routine ones, as after every such occasion the two countries came closer to each other in different spheres of life. Exactly the same message is emanating from Beijing on the occasion of the Prime Minister’s current visit.
Pakistan and China enjoy multi-dimensional relationship and the leadership of the two countries have shown determination to promote it for the mutual benefit. China has been extending valuable assistance to Pakistan even in sectors where others are reluctant to offer any meaningful help.
Despite killings of Chinese engineers and technicians in the NWFP and Balochistan, there is no change of heart in Beijing and Chinese companies are busy implementing projects of far-reaching import to Pakistan’s economy.
It is significant to note that it was because of China that Pakistan has been able to translate into reality its long-standing dream of having another Deep Seaport in Gwadar. The Port is now almost complete and it is expected to be inaugurated early next year. Beijing has gone a step further and under one of the agreements signed on Wednesday, it would provide help for dredging of the port channel up to the depth of 14.7 meters.
Gwadar has become another symbol of Sino-Pak friendship and it is poised to be a major hub of economic activities in the region, facilitating imports and exports of not only Pakistan but also of China. In this background, the Prime Minister has promised to set-up a China Industrial Zone in Pakistan, which would give Beijing an easier access to markets in Africa and the Middle-East.
It is also significant that China is extending political and diplomatic support to Pakistan on a number of issues of interest to us. There is also an improvement of ties between Beijing and Delhi but the Chinese leaders have once again made it clear that it would never be at the expense of deep-rooted bonds of friendship with Pakistan. This is quite reassuring.
Editorial,
Pakistan Times,
18 December 2004
<http://pakistantimes.net/2004/12/18/editorial.htm>
Pakistan, China to Set up Free Trade Area
China and Pakistan are poised to widen the Silk Road between them by building a free trade area (FTA).
For Pakistanis, it is mainly a "cotton road.''
Currently, 70 per cent of Pakistani exports to China are cotton yarn and cotton fabric.
However, the country is also keen to promote its other products ranging from mangoes to footballs.
During Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz's visit to Beijing last month, a protocol was signed for the talks on the establishment of an FTA between the two nations, currently with an annual trade volume of around US$2.5 billion.
Negotiations will start in January and could be concluded within one year.
"I believe Pakistan and China will be very accommodating to each other in the FTA talks because of good relations between the two countries,'' Tariq Ikram, minister of state and chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau of Pakistan, told China Business Weekly in an interview.
"Pakistan will respect China's needs, and China will also respect ours. The negotiations will not be difficult.''
Chen Chao, an official with the International Trade Department of China's Ministry of Commerce, also said the relationship between the two nations is a very favourable factor for the FTA talks.
In economic terms, it would not be hard to obtain a win-win deal, he said.
"The difference between Chinese and Pakistani goods in bilateral trade is relatively big and the number of their competing goods is relatively small,'' he said in a written interview with China Business Weekly.
Currently, more than 70 per cent of Pakistan's exports to China are cotton yarn or cotton fabric. The rest are leather products, minerals and seafood. China's main shipments to Pakistan include machinery equipment, chemicals, electronics and footware.
Now Pakistan intends to sell more grain, fruit and vegetables to China.
Shahid Mahmood, commercial and economic counsellor of the Pakistani Embassy in Beijing, said an "early harvest programme,'' which will mainly focus on agricultural products, is expected to be rolled out six months after the FTA talks are launched.
Quarantine is a key issue here. Pakistan's Ministry of Agriculture and China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine are already talking about a mechanism to grant certificates to qualified Pakistani exporters.
The farm products Pakistan wants to sell to China include rice, mangoes, potatoes, onions, dates and apricots.
People in Beijing and Shanghai will not see much of these Pakistani produce appear in their supermarkets because, according to Mahmood, they will mainly target China's western regions, with which Pakistan has fairly good land transportation connection.
Mahmood said he recently travelled along the roads linking China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and northern part of Pakistan and found conditions there are satisfactory enough for the expansions of cross-border trade.
For the Chinese side, a market with 150 million people in Pakistan is undoubtedly a source of great opportunities. A Sino-Pakistani FTA, which will mean less or zero tariffs for many products, could make the market more attractive.
Ma Chunyan, an official with the chemical section of the China Council for Promotion of International Trade, sees a great market for Chinese pesticide and fertilizer producers.
"I know a woman making 1 million yuan (US$120,000) in commission this year by serving as an agent selling pesticide to Pakistan,'' she said.
Chinese business people can benefit from the FTA not only by selling China-made goods, but also by investing in the country, Ma said.
Some Chinese pesticide producers are already thinking about investing in Pakistan because of the market demand and low labour costs, she said.
Investing in Pakistan
Chinese companies already account for an important part of foreign investment in Pakistan. About 500 foreign companies are now operating in Pakistan, 60 of which are Chinese.
Many of these companies are operating in the public utilities and infrastructure sectors, such as mining, telecommunication and energy.
But an increasing number of Chinese consumer goods manufacturers are entering the country. White goods maker Haier is already there and so are Shenzhen-based telecommunications firm ZTE, Shanghai-based electronic maker SVA and a number of motorcycle companies from Chongqing.
Ikram said Pakistani industries -- including fishing, stone processing, automobiles, food processing, bicycles and gem stone cutting and polishing -- welcome foreign investments in particular.
Mahmood made a special reference to food processing, which is suitable for enterprises of different sizes.
"A small investment (in food processing) could bring huge dividends,'' he said.
Nasir Hussain, the National Bank of Pakistan Beijing office's chief representative, offered an additional angle in commenting on the benefits for Chinese companies' investing in Pakistan. The bank is the nation's largest commercial bank.
"Chinese companies can use Pakistan as a gateway for penetrating markets in Central Asian countries,'' he said.
His bank already provided banking services to Chinese companies doing business in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Kyrgzstan. No Chinese banks have operations in this area.
Pakistani investment in China is relatively small. The most remarkable area might be the manufacturing of leather products, according to Mahmood. This industry is mainly in East China's Fujian Province and South China's Guangdong Province.
FTA was raised at a time when such trade arrangements are becoming increasingly popular and Pakistan stepped up its efforts to promote trade and investment.
China is holding FTA talks at different levels with countries in Southeast Asia, around the Gulf and in Latin America. Pakistan has signed an FTA agreement with Sri Lanka. It is discussing the same issue with Iran and Bangladesh.
It is just natural that China and Pakistan should also establish an FTA, said Sun Shihai, a senior research fellow with the Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
During the past few years, the Pakistani economy has shook off stagnation and become healthier. The economy is estimated to grow by 7 per cent in 2004, as compared to zero growth five years ago. Inflation has dropped to a benign 4.5 per cent from 10 per cent in 1999.
The country is to hold an exposition -- which is said to be the biggest in the country's history -- in early February to promote trade and investment. The country's diplomats and trade officials are busy trying to attract business people across the world to the fair.
Implications for Security
It is hard to talk about going to Pakistan without touching on the question of security thanks to the country's proximity to Afghanistan. The recent Chinese hostage incident just added Chinese business people's sense of uncertainty regarding doing business in Pakistan.
But Ikram said the chances of such incidents taking place in Pakistan is not bigger than most of other places on the globe.
"Most of the terrorists that entered Pakistan after 9/11 have been finished,'' he said.
In fact, the establishment of a Sino-Pakistani FTA will also be significant in terms of security, said Sun.
He said the FTA will enrich the contents of the relationship between China and Pakistan, which already call each other "all-weather friends.''
Developing economic co-operation is key to social stability in the cross-border area because economic growth can significantly reduce violence and separatism in this area, he said.
Ikram said the FTA would not have a big impact on other economies in the South Asia because Pakistan and other economies export different commodities to China.
China's trade volume with Pakistan now accounts for 20 per cent of China's total trade with South Asia, which also includes India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives.
South Asian nations are discussing an FTA of their own.
In fact, China is active in promoting economic co-operation with the entire region. A conference was held last week in Kunming, in Southwest China's Yunnan Province, on co-operation between Yunnan, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Source: China Business Weekly
27 December 2004
<http://english.people.com.cn/200412/27/eng20041227_168754.html>
China to Support Pakistan Join APTA
BEIJING Feb 06 : The Chinese government will support Pakistan to join the Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), a grouping of six regional countries to secure better tariff rates giving boost to its trade at the regional level.
This was stated by an official of the Chinese government while talking to newsmen here. The countries which are already getting tariff concessions under APTA are Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Republic of Korea, Laos and India, besides China.
"Pakistan's improved economic position at home and its active role in promoting regional peace and development in the recent years have paved the way for its membership," an official said.
Besides, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Cambodia and Mongolia have expressed interest in joining the group immediately and Nepal and Bhutan are said to be considering for joining.
6 February 2005
<http://www.pakistanlink.com/Headlines/Feb05/06/06.htm>
Musharraf Eulogizes China's Contribution to
Pakistan's
Economic Development [Extract]
BEIJING (APP)- President Pervez Musharraf said Pakistan and China's
cooperation in regional and international affairs will keep growing for their
mutual benefit and to meet the common aspirations of their people.
"Despite changes at the regional and global levels, the deep-rooted ties
between the two countries have been gaining strength with the passage of
time," the President said in his message to a leading Chinese magazine
'China's talents' that was published at the advent of the Chinese new year.
The magazine gave a prominent coverage to Sino-Pak relations, with special
message from the President, which says " Pak-China relations span several
millennia, dating back to the Indus valley civilization and beyond. This
relationship is based on mutual trust and includes cooperation in the
political, economic, defence, cultural and several other fields."
He noted that China has made invaluable contribution to their country's economy, particularly in the development of infrastructure and industrialization.
Some of the major projects established in Pakistan with the assistance of the Chinese government include the legendary Karkarum highway, Pakistan aeronautical complex, Saindek copper and gold project, Heavy mechanical complex, Heavy rebuild factory, Guddu thermal power station, Jamshoro power station, Chashma nuclear power plant, Ghazi Brotha power project, Indus highway and more recently the Gwadar deep-sea port and Thar coal power-generation projects. …
8 February 2005
<http://www.infopak.gov.pk/news/appnews/appnews2005/app_feb08_2005.htm#2>
Ever since the creation of Pakistan, China has been clearly Pakistan's strongest supporter in the military, economic and diplomatic fields. The relationship has transcended major changes in both governments.
The people of Pakistan have demonstrated a sustained pro-China sentiment that has further strengthened the bonds. China has been an invaluable external source of military equipment and technologies to Pakistan, especially during the period when the United States and other countries imposed sanctions on this country.
Over the years a large number of collaborative projects in the field of defence have been completed that include manufacture of tanks, guns, missiles, patrol boats, communication equipment's, trainer and fighter aircraft and construction of nuclear power plants.
The Karakoram Highway linking the Chinese Xinjiang province is another landmark project between the two countries. Islamabad considers China a strategic partner and the Chinese have characterized their relationship with Pakistan as constructive partnership.
Semantics aside, maintaining a close relationship with an ascending power and close neighbour has always appealed to Pakistan's policy-makers across the political spectrum.
On the other hand, China recognizes Pakistan's geo-strategic importance, its eminence among the Muslim countries and its usefulness as an ally at the international forums. With the two countries enjoying such good relations it is no surprise that they have engaged in the development of the Gwadar port project.
The new port of Gwadar will supplement Karachi port and its Port Qasim extension, which was constructed in the late eighties. Karachi port handles nearly 50 million tonnes of cargo annually and with Pakistan's economy expected to grow at a minimum of six per cent annually, the volume of trade is projected to be around 75 million tonnes in the year 2015. The government has undertaken expansion programmes at both ports to enable them meet the growing demand of trading and commercial activity.
Nonetheless, there is still need for an additional seaport to handle peak season overflow of incoming and outgoing sea cargo and to cater to the transit traffic flowing from Central Asian states and Afghanistan.
Equally significant is the defence requirement to repair and rebuild the redundant portion of the communication infrastructure. A single port complex is vulnerable during times of crisis or war.
The Gwadar project came about as a result of a Sino-Pakistan agreement in March 2002, under which China Harbour Construction Corporation will build the port. Beijing has provided $198 million for the first phase of the project and Islamabad's contribution has been $ 50 million. The scope of phase-1 includes construction of three multi-purpose berths each 200 meters long and capable of handling vessels up to 30,000 DWT.
As work is progressing satisfactorily, the first phase should be completed by early 2005. Phase two is planned for development by the private sector at an estimated cost of $600 million and envisages the development of ten more berths and a five-kilometre approach channel and will take vessels up to 50,000 DWT.
By virtue of its excellent location, Gwadar port is also visualized to become a regional hub serving incoming and outgoing commercial traffic of the Middle Eastern and Gulf countries, the Xinjiang province of China, Iran in the west and Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the south and east.
Its location at the mouth of the Gulf and at the opposite end of the strategic choke points of Straits of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman enhances its strategic importance. Its development could favourably influence the geo strategic environment of the region and have an overall beneficial impact on Pakistan.
Additionally, the port should facilitate efficient exploitation of the exclusive economic zone of Pakistan, which so far has remained largely unexplored. The area is rich in fisheries and if the 600-kilometre long coastal line is fully exploited it could give a big boost to fish and crab exports and promote food-processing industries. Lying in the vicinity of oil-rich Gulf states, Gwadar could also be a potential source of offshore gas and oil exploration.
The existing highways on the Afghan border, connecting the border towns of Chaman and Torkham provide the shortest all-weather road and rail links to Gwadar. These will have to be brought up to international standards if the part's potential of becoming a major economic and commercial centre is to be realized. Pakistan is already developing the road and highway network connecting Gwadar with its own major cities and ports through the 700-mile Mekran Coastal Highway.
The development of a comprehensive network of roads and other communication infrastructure would call for a lot of investment and would take a few years to complete. Similarly, rail and air services will have to be developed between Gwadar and other important commercial centres in Pakistan.
The development of the Gwadar port should benefit the overall economy of Balochistan and unlock its potential. Regrettably, the people of the area, and more so the tribal leaders are not enthusiastic about the project and in fact some are actively opposing it.
Their fears are that outsiders, whether foreign or domestic, will undertake development work and threaten the identity and livelihood of the local inhabitants. Tribal leaders, who have monopolized power in this backward province are apprehensive of losing their hold over the people when the project materializes.
This would entail building consensus through a sustained and well-coordinated political process and winning the confidence of the local people. It is unfortunate that the government had given a low priority to this important aspect in the past. Moreover, Islamabad should also ensure that the short-term interests of the land mafia and other vested groups do not damage the genuine interests of the Baloch people.
As of now, most of the infrastructural development is related to coastal roads and linking Gwadar with Karachi. The government should pay equal if not greater attention to developing road and rail links from Gwadar to the hinterland of Balochistan so that the Balochs equally share the benefits of development.
Benefit of the Gwadar port is also directly linked to the stability in Afghanistan and Central Asia. Another prerequisite would be the physical infra-structural development in these countries. Linking Torkhum-Jalalabad and Chaman-Kandahar roads with modern highways will be in the mutual long-term interests of both Pakistan and Afghanistan.
According to some sources, Beijing also intends to take advantage of Gwadar's accessible international trade routes to Central Asian republics and Xinjiang. The plan envisages extending China's east-west railway from the border city of Kashi to Peshawar.
The incoming and outgoing cargo from Gwadar can then be delivered to China through the shortest route from Karachi to Peshawar. The same road and rail network can also be used for the supply of oil from the Gulf to the western provinces of China.
Additionally, China could also gain rail and road access to Iran through Pakistan's internal road and rail network. Use of Gwadar port by China should accelerate the growth and development of the port and the hinterland and enhance its overall commercial and strategic value.
The Chinese have all along denied that the joint project of Gwadar has any military dimension and have stressed that it is a civilian port, but being a major importer of oil from the Gulf and mostly routed through this sea-lane it has a justifiable interest in having secure and uninterrupted flow of oil.
Occasional goodwill visits by its naval vessels and increased trade and commercial activity with Pakistan are likely to raise Chinese profile in the Arabian Sea.
As a matter of policy, China has always assisted Pakistan in strengthening its defence capability. Beijing's involvement in the Gwadar sea port is primarily motivated by commercial considerations, but it also perhaps sees the advantages accruing to Pakistan and its own navy for having a friendly port of call close to the Gulf region.
Together with this when a reliable network of road and rail links is established, it could benefit both Pakistan and China commercially as well as strategically.
From a defence perspective, Pakistan Navy would find it easier to operate closer to the Gulf. During times of crisis it could move its naval assets farther from any Indian naval and air threat.
In the event of an unfortunate war, the port of
Gwadar would provide strategic depth to Pakistan's commercial and military
vessels and be in a relatively advantageous position to operate against the
Indian Navy. Gwadar is, however, well within the range of land-air and
sea-based Indian missiles.
The writer is a
retired lieutenant-general.
Talat Masood, Dawn,
14 February 2005
<http://www.dawn.com/2005/02/14/op.htm#3>
ISLAMABAD: China and Pakistan are all set to hold technical negotiations on expanding their preferential trade agreement (PTA) on February 25-26 in Islamabad, a government official told Daily Times.
Both countries signed the protocol for broadening the PTA during Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz’s recent visit to Beijing.
A Chinese delegation headed by Chen Jian, assistant commerce minister of China, is arriving in Pakistan on next Monday. The delegation, comprising technical experts and members of the business community, will arrive in Lahore and hold talks with business representatives to explore more areas for trade.
The official said the Chinese delegation would arrive in Islamabad on February 24 evening and remain to hold three-day technical negotiations to increase the number of items traded under the PTA. Trade under the PTA has been underway since January 1 2005.
The official said both countries would expand the list of items being traded under PTA. He said the Chinese wanted to add 25 to 30 items from their side, while Pakistan would also suggest some items to reduce trade deficit with China.
Under the PTA, Pakistan can export 777 items to China while China can export 217 items to Pakistan. During 2002-03, trade volume with China was $1.09 billion of which Pakistani exports were worth $244.59 million while imports from China stood at around $839 million.
Government officials said that Pakistan’s exports to China had increased by 25 percent since the PTA came into effect. They said both countries had realised that the existing PTA needs to be expanded, keeping in view the existing trade volume. Imports from China were worth $460 million during July-September 2004, while Pakistan’s exports during the same period were worth $68.9 million.
Khalid Mustafa,
Daily Times, 21 February 2005
<http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_20-2-2005_pg5_4>
On the morning of March 6, 2005, the Third Plenary Session of the Tenth National People's Congress held a press conference at the Great Hall of the People. At the invitation of Spokesman Jiang Enzhu of the Session, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing answered questions from the Chinese and foreign press on China's Diplomacy and International Affairs.
Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing: It is my great pleasure to see you all. Yesterday in his Report on the Work of the Government, Premier Wen Jiabao already gave a profound elaboration on the international situation and China's policies. If you have specific questions for me, they are more than welcome.
CCTV: With regard to China's foreign policy, some people say China has achieved a lot in its diplomacy and its foreign policy has become more mature, while others think that China's foreign policy has been too pragmatic. What's your comment on that?
Li Zhaoxing: China's diplomacy is aimed at maintaining world peace, promoting common development, boosting mutually beneficial cooperation and serving the Chinese people. Since the Chinese people share the fundamental interests of the people around the world, it is fair to say that China's diplomacy serves both the Chinese and other peoples in the world.
Over the past year, under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee, with Comrade Hu Jintao as the General Secretary, we have calmly coped with changes in the international situation and done our work earnestly a nd whole-heartedly to bring about a peaceful and stable international environment for the development of the country and improvement of people's livelihood. We adhere to the principle of doing diplomatic work for the people. We have protected the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and legal persons abroad and properly handled emergency incidents such as the attacks against Chinese citizens abroad. We pursue an independent foreign policy of peace, and remain committed to developing friendly relations of equality and mutual benefits with all the countries in the world, advancing regional cooperation and actively participating in multilateral diplomacy. We now find more and more friends and partners around the world.
We keenly appreciate the wish of people for peace, prosperity and harmony and their opposition to war, poverty and confrontation worldwide and stand for the peaceful resolution of international disputes. We have played our part conscientiously in the settlement of regional hot spot issues. We are committed to promoting and participating in South-South cooperation and North-South dialogue. We maintain that civilizations of different kinds should treat each other as equals and learn from each other amidst competition. In international affairs, we proceed from the interests of the Chinese people and the common interests of all the other people in the world and determine our positions independently in the light of the merits of matters. In the future, we will continue to work with the international community in bringing about a world with less conflict and more peace, less poverty and more prosperity, less trouble and more cooperation. …
Associated Press of Pakistan: As you know Pakistan is going to hold the Fourth Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) foreign ministers' conference in Islamabad early next month. How do you look at the future role of ACD in promoting peace and development in the region? And do you think Pakistan and China can work together more closely to address the problems faced by Asian countries?
Li Zhaoxing: The last ACD foreign ministers' meeting, which took place in Qingdao, China, was a great success. One of the important achievements of that meeting in Qingdao is that everybody is very pleased to have the next meeting held in Pakistan. China and Pakistan are friends enjoying all-weather friendship. I believe we will certainly further strengthen our bilateral relations and enhance our friendship and cooperation on multilateral occasions including regional organizations. This is not only good for our two peoples but also conducive to the development and stability in this region. During this process, the Asia Cooperation Dialogue will also play the role of a bridge which unites Asian countries together and further enhances their solidarity and cooperation. So here I wish the fourth foreign ministers' meeting of ACD a great success. …
Xinhua News Agency: This year marks the 60th anniversary of the United Nations. I want to ask whether President Hu Jingtao will attend the UN celebrations and take that opportunity to visit the US? Would you please comment on the current China-US relations and the future development of the relations? My second question concerns anti-corruption. We know that in 2004 Yu Zhendong, the former governor of the Kaiping branch of the Bank of China was repatriated to China. A few days ago, US officials indicated that the US side would assist the Chinese side in bringing similar corrupt officials to justice. Would you please comment on what new measures China will take in fighting corruption together with the international community?
Li Zhaoxing: It is true that the UN will celebrate its 60th birthday, and there will be grand commemorations at the headquarters of the UN in New York. The UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has extended very warm invitation to President Hu Jintao for many times, so it is likely that President Hu Jintao will attend the celebration upon invitation.
The China-US relations have been making headway continuously. The two countries share extensive interests and engage in mutually beneficial cooperation in a wide range of areas to the benefits of the two peoples. In order to ensure a healthy development of the China-US relations, a long-term and strategic perspective should be adopted. First of all, it is essential to adopt that perspective to view and deal with the most sensitive issue in the China-US relations, i.e. the Taiwan question. In order words, it is essential to abide by the principles enshrined in the three China-US Joint Communiqu¨¦s, treat each other as equals, seek common ground while putting aside differences and expand the converging points of the interests of the two countries. In the meeting held in Chile last November, President Hu Jintao and President Bush already reached agreement on exchanging visits in 2005. We would like to keep in close touch with the US side and continue to maintain and strengthen the momentum of exchanges of high level visits between the two countries.
The Chinese Government follows the principle of governing for the people and we have been making continuous efforts to fight against corruption and advocate a clean and honest government. We would like to step up our cooperation with all the countries in the world, including the US, in the fight against corruption.
Taking about corruption, what deserves our vigilance is that the Taiwan secessionists have done everything they can to achieve the goal of Taiwan independence, including the "dollar diplomacy", or in order words, the "bribery diplomacy". Many visionary people concur that this is also an act of corruption. Thank you. …
Al-Jazeera: There have been very rapid changes in the Middle East situation. Given China's interest in the region, especially in terms of energy, would China make any readjustments to its policy. The second question is that there is a tendency for more rampant unilateralism and hegemony, so how far is reality from the goal of multi-polarizaiton that China pursues?
Li Zhaoxing: In recent years, with China's sustained and rapid development, its energy consumption has increased to a certain extent. And there have been substantial fluctuations in the prices of crude oil in the international market, particularly last year we saw a climbing up of the crude oil prices for quite a period of time. Therefore some media have blamed China and its growth of energy demand for the rising of oil prices. Such argument is unfounded. It is true that China's oil import has increased a little bit over the past one or two years. However the total of China's oil import only accounts for around 6% of the international oil trade volume. China is not only a big energy consumer, but also one of the major energy producers in the world. China's energy demand is mainly to be met by its domestic resources. We still have considerable space for the development of domestic energy supply, and we have big potential in selling energy and improving the efficiency of energy use. Therefore China's import of oil will not exert a big impact on the international oil prices.
Regarding the question about multi-polarization and unilateralism, I would say that the theme of our times is peace and development, however, hegemonism has been a threat to peace and development. Nobody in the world likes hegemonism, and everyone in the world opposes hegemonism and advocates multilateralism as well as democratic international relations. Let me invite you to revisit some remarks made by the late leader of China, Comrade Deng Xiaoping years ago. He said, "We adhere to an independent foreign policy of peace and do not join any block. We are prepared to maintain contacts and make friends with everyone. We are against any country that practices hegemonism. We are against any country that commits aggression against others. We are fair in our words and in our deeds". …
People's Daily: Recently a new wave of China threat theory has emerged in Washington. What is the nature of such a theory? What impact will it have on the future of China-US relations? When you served as the Chinese Ambassador to the US, you once fought against the old similar theory. So what are you going to do this time?
Li Zhaoxing: I miss those days and nights in the US very much. It is true that I debated with some Americans, but I have made a bigger number of friends there. I believe that the Chinese and US peoples have good reasons to live in friendship and peace and work together to promote world peace and development. Both sides are working to implement the important common consensus reached between President Hu Jintao and President Bush on further strengthening and building the constructive and cooperative relationship. It is a fact that there do exist people as you described, but they are very tiny in number. Although they are living in the new century, their minds still linger in the Cold War era. It is there tiny number of people who are spreading the so-called "China threat theory", which is totally unfounded.
Recently I came across a group of figures from a western newspaper. Let's take a look at them together to see whether the theory makes sense or is nothing but ridiculous nonsense. In 2004, the defense expenditure of the US was US$455.9 billion, accounting for 3.9% of its GDP, while that of China in the same year was only RMB211.7 billion, making up 1.6% of China's GDP. The US defense expenditure was 17.8 times that of China. In 2004, the per capita defense expenditure in the US was US$1,540 while that of China was about US$20, with the US figure being 77 times that of China. In 2003, the US defense expenditure accounted for 47% of the global total, exceeding the add-up of the following top 25 countries in the world with the largest defense expenditure. The figure was also 3.5 times the total sum of the defense expenditure of the other four permanent members of the Security Council.
China follows the road of peaceful development. To maintain peace is both the starting point and the purpose of Chinese diplomacy. I believe that all those who respect truth will see China as a staunch force for peace in the world. …
People’s Daily,
7 March 2005
http://english1.people.com.cn/200503/07/eng20050307_175790.html
BEIJING (APP) - Chinese Foreign Minster Li Zhaoxing said that his country would continue to work with Pakistan for promoting regional peace and development, as well as cementing bilateral cooperation in various fields.
Addressing a news conference, held here on the sidelines of the annual session of the National Peoples Congress, he said China was looking forward for the success of the fourth foreign ministers conference of Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), that is scheduled to take place in Islamabad early next month.
Recalling the third meeting of the ACD that was held in the China’s coastal city Qingdao June last he said every member of the organisation was pleased to decide holding its next meeting in Pakistan. China, he said wishes to strengthen its cooperation with Pakistan at multilateral forums including the ACD for achieving common goals.
Calling Pakistan an “all-weather” friend of China, Li Zhaoxing said they will be certainly taking further steps strengthening their ongoing cooperation at bilateral and regional levels.
Praising the role of ACD, he said this forum is not only good for our two peoples, but also conducive for our regional development, peace and stability.
He hoped that the ACD will unite the Asian countries work together further enhancing their solidarity and cooperation.
China, he said is always prepared to help its friendly countries in their socio-economic development and in their hour of need.
Although China is a developing country with its own difficulties in economic and social development and a natural calamities-prone nation itself, but it has made its utmost efforts to help its friends and neighbours hit by tsunami within its capacity, he added.
To another question, Li Zhaoxing said that China is a staunch force for making peace in the world and does not pose any threat to the rest of the world. China pursues a peaceful way of development and adheres to maintaining peace and stability in the world, he added. …
He reiterated that China opposes hegemonism and advocates peace, multi-lateralism and democracy in international relations.
The Nation,
8 March 2005
<http://www.nation.com.pk/daily/mar-2005/7/index9.php>
China and the Kashmir Knot [Extract]
I.
China’s Kashmir Vision: A Key Parameter for its South Asia Policy
China’s view on Kashmir has much to do with its volatile relations with India
and Pakistan, the major South Asian powers. As widely known, China evolved a
short-lived honeymoon during the 1950s. Then China’s basic position on Kashmir
was a “no involvement” and “doing justice” approach, underlining the necessity
of bilaterally addressing the Indo-Pak dispute over Kashmir without any
extra-regional interference. This seemingly unbiased approach was actually
more conformable with India’s position, in view of the then regional reality
of Indian preponderance over Pakistan. As far as Kashmir was concerned,
China’s such view on Kashmir was not unexpected in terms of Islamabad’s
strategically tied with SEATO and CENTO, US-sponsored alliances aimed to
contain the socialist Soviet and China. But, the “no involvement” approach was
also shown in the fact that Zhou Enlai politely declined the invitation
Jawaharlal Nehru offered to visit Srinagar and refused to comment on the issue
in India’s favor.
However, the 1962 Sino-Indian war directly caused by the border dispute decisively changed Beijing’s perception and calculus of its strategic interest in the South Asian subcontinent, which helped reshape its policy options towards the region in general and towards Kashmir in particular. To be specific, the rising animosity and mounting rivalry between China and India made Beijing visibly alter its attitude to the Indo-Pak tussle over Kashmir. Roughly during the same period, Islamabad’s positive engagements with Beijing, especially signing a major border agreement with China in 1963, proved to be considerably useful for amplifying China’s sympathy for Pakistan on Kashmir. It is worth mentioning that, however, China’s prudence in dealing with this issue was also marked by insisting that the concluded Sino-Pak border treaty would by nature be provisional and would be corrected and confirmed with a final settlement of Kashmir issue between India and Pakistan.
With adjusting its relations to India and Pakistan in the early 1960s, China’s basic position on Kashmir was seen some meaningful changes. It began to emphasize that prospect of the disputed region should be envisaged and decided through a valid UN supervised plebiscite based on the regional public representation. This approach actually meant that Beijing began to morally support the campaign of freedom and secession from India within Kashmir and endorse Islamabad’s claim to Kashmir as a whole. During the Indo-Pak war in 1965, Beijing, just winning the border conflict with New Delhi several years earlier, clearly expressed its full support and solidarity with Pakistan and strongly supported Pak position of getting back Kashmir. As a tangible testimony of helping Pakistan, Beijing voiced an ultimatum to New Delhi, warning to undertake an action that was thought to be proper unless India stopped its military provocations along the unsettled Sino-Indian boundary. Thereby Beijing’s statement sent a clear signal of absolutely assisting Pakistan, and it proved to be quite useful for Islamabad to reinforce its ability to be confronted with India. India, sensing the pressure from Beijing under the then circumstances, had to deploy a large amount of troops along its lengthy border with China in case of any possible second front supposedly initiated by China to coordinate with Pakistani troops.
In the 1971 Indo-Pak war, New Delhi suffered the same sense of instability of a likely Sino-Pak strategic cooperation. Primarily out of the fear of the formidable threat posed by China-Pakistan military partnership, New Delhi rushed to conclude an alliance-like agreement with the Soviet Union, Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation, just immediately prior to the war against Pakistan. The war, consequently, seriously crippled Pakistan and brought about a new nation of Bangladesh. It was well known that the Indo-Soviet treaty was intended primarily to deter China. Following India’s dismemberment of Pakistan, Beijing strongly accused New Delhi of planning and being involved the incident, requesting an early withdrawal of Indian troops from the taken territories including Kashmir. The Beijing pro-Pak stance had never been really altered until the late 1980s, despite being subject to slightly varied rhetoric at different times.
The Sino-Indian relations witnessed a visible thawing since the late 1980s and China began to revise its South Asia policy around the mid-1990s, symbolized by President Jiang Zemin’s visit to India in 1996 and by kick-starting a series of confidence-building initiatives. Referring to the Kashmir issue, Beijing voiced it in a subtle but perceived tone by visibly playing down the significance of several UN resolutions on Kashmir that basically endorse a final settlement by virtually pro-Pakistan plebiscite, and came around to advocate a formula of resolving the Kashmir problem through bilateral negotiations based on the 1972 Shimla Accord rather than through international interventions. While comprehending Islamabad’s vital stake in the ultimate outcome of the Kashmir stalemate, Beijing has repeatedly proposed that India and Pakistan should work together on other easier but still significant aspects of their bilateral relationship prior to reaching a final resolution in Kashmir.
Nevertheless, a mainstream Chinese approach persists in regarding Indo-Pakistani dispute over Kashmir and the constant unrests inside that region as the root causes of the prolonged rivalry between New Delhi and Islamabad. According to this argument, the origins of the India-Pakistan deadlock should be more complicated than the much-talked cross-border terrorism itself despite the fact that the violence and attacks targeting India have seriously discouraged any attempts to seek a meaningful outcome acceptable for the both sides. It is believed that enhanced affirmative efforts to relieve the internal situation there should be an essential part of an overall formula to way out of the dilemma. In this regard, India initiated a fairer and more representative election in Jammu and Kashmir in 2002, which has been regarded as an encouraging step in creating a favorable climate for the prospects of Kashmir and Indo-Pakistani relations, albeit being not a Pakistan-advocated referendum. On the other hand, it has been argued that Beijing’s sophisticated rethinking of the Kashmir issue reflected, to some extent, the concern about its possible implications for some Chinese ethnic areas. It is believed there are some marked parallels between Kashmir and Xinjiang; and China seems reluctant to see a precedent to be the victim of mass terrors as well as national disruption and the West-labeled “self-determination”. …
Finally, changing circumstances in South Asia enable China to reasonably gauge its security dimensions and feel more confident to deal with New Delhi and Islamabad in the region. The emerging encouraging realities in the region should be of relevance to Beijing’s expanding engagements with both Pakistan and India, enabling China to reconsider the likelihood of interacting with the both in multilateral or regional institutions. For example, it will be possible for Beijing to clear its support for India’s effort to be one permanent member in a restructured UN Security Council. In fact, in recent controversies around the reform of UN and the qualifications of potential candidates for new permanent Security Council membership, Beijing repeatedly shows an unmistakable inclination for favoring India. This offer, despite being not as generous as New Delhi simply expects, should not be underplayed in terms of the fact that Beijing has never offered such an endorsement to each of the powerful candidates. Equally, China may naturally feel it no longer a problem to expedite the entry of both Pakistan and India into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and develop tangible cooperation and coordination with them in combating terrorism as well as other trans-border crimes in accordance with mutually agreed standards and overlapping security impulsions. One of meaningful indicators is that China, as many have noted, basically tends to see India’s “Look East” agenda across a spectrum of optimism and in an accommodating way, expecting to have a healthy competition with India in a broadened Asia-Pacific regional framework. By embracing this sort of practice, China would continue to benefit from healthy relations with her South Asian neighbors and contribute to achieving the harmonious co-existence in this region and beyond.
Zhang Li, Presented at the International Seminar on “The Kashmir Imbroglio: Looking Towards the Future”, Organised by IPRI and Hanns Seidel Foundation,
Islamabad, 15-16 March 2005
China says Ties with Pakistan to Grow
BEIJING, March 26: Chinese President Hu Jintao reiterated that nothing would affect the decades old Sino-Pakistan friendship despite the changes in global and regional situation.
He was talking to the ambassador of Pakistan to China, Salman Bashir, who presented him Letters of Credence here at the Great Hall of the People on Saturday.
President Hu Jintao said the two countries had omni-dimensional cooperation in various fields of mutual interest. He r eferred to the close cooperation between the two countries and also made special mention of their traditional consultation and coordination on regional and international issues.
President Hu Jintao thanked Pakistan for its continued support on the issue of Taiwan and acknowledged that Pakistan was the first country that supported the anti-secession law, passed by the National Peoples Congress this month. He also thanked Pakistan for supporting China on the issues of Tibet and Human Rights.
He further said that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao would be visiting Pakistan next month, and added that the visit would further contribute to the enhancement of close and friendly ties between the two countries.
The ambassador conveyed the greetings of President Pervez Musharraf to the Chinese President and said he had been entrusted by the president with the high responsibility of further developing the friendship between the two countries, which the leaders and the people of the two countries deeply valued and cherished.
Earlier, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, during his meeting with the ambassador, hoped that the forthcoming visit of Premier Wen Jiabao to Pakistan would give a big boost to their bilateral relations in all areas of common interest.
He assured that his country would continue to work with Pakistan at all levels promoting regional peace and development, as well as cementing bilateral cooperation in various fields.
He told the ambassador that he was glad to accept the invitation of Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri to address the high-level seminar of Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), scheduled to take place in Islamabad on April 5.-APP
Dawn,
27 March 2005
<http://www.dawn.com/2005/03/27/nat9.htm>
Chinese PM for Steps to Upgrade Ties
BEIJING, April 3: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on Sunday that he was looking forward to holding extensive talks with the Pakistani leadership in Islamabad, taking friendship and cooperation of the two countries to new heights.
On the eve of his three-day official visit to Pakistan, starting Tuesday, he told APP in an interview that he will work to reinforce the Sino-Pakistan friendship which had "withstood the test of time and international vicissitudes".
Covering wide-ranging topics of bilateral interest, the Chinese premier said his government wished to take some new measures to expand and upgrade their existing partnership.
While underlining the importance of Gwadar port in economic interactions, Wen Jiabao hoped that "our all-weather and all-dimensional cooperation" will usher in a new era of peace and prosperity for the people.
"China and Pakistan are indeed good friends, good neighbours and good partners," he remarked. "Greater emphasis should be put on closer trade and economic ties while deepening mutually beneficial cooperation across-the-board," he added.
The Chinese government values economic collaboration with Pakistan and stands ready to work together to upgrade the existing cooperation, he said. Premier Wen Jiabao observed that "our two-way trade has grown quite fast". In 2004, it stood at $3.06 billion, up by 26 per cent over the previous year, and retained a sound momentum of growth.
He hoped that the two sides would adopt more effective measures to expand the bilateral trade, bringing the economic cooperation to a higher level. He said the Gwadar port was an important project. "We are happy to see the smooth completion of phase-I of the project, thanks to the concerted efforts of both sides.
I believe that the port will play a key role in promoting social and economic progress in the region and provide new opportunities for China-Pakistan trade and commerce," he added.
When asked how China perceived its role in terms of peace and development in Asia, particularly in South Asia, Wen Jiabao said his country was committed to a path of peaceful development, developing itself by maintaining world peace and promoting a peaceful and prosperous world through its own development.
"China will pursue an independent foreign policy of peace and work hard to safeguard world peace and achieve common development," he added. "To develop itself, China needs an international environment of long-term stability, a stable surrounding environment first and foremost," he said.
Given its huge population, vast landmass, rich resources and enormous development potential, South Asia is an important part of Asia and an important part of the world, he said. "We are all developing countries, sharing the same aspiration for peace, stability and development," he said. -APP
Dawn, 4 April 2005
<http://www.dawn.com/2005/04/04/top14.htm>
Pacts with China for Warships Signed
RAWALPINDI, April 4: Islamabad and Beijing have signed contracts for the construction of four F-22P frigates for the Pakistan Navy. The signing ceremony was held at the ministry of defence production here on Monday.
A statement issued here by the ministry says Secretary Defence Production Ali Muhammad Jan Aurakzai led the Pakistani side and Mr Zhou Wushent, the director-general of the International Cooperation, Commission of Science and Technologies Industries (COSTIND), the Chinese side.
These ships will not only enhance the operational capabilities of the Pakistan Navy, but also help guard the sea boundaries of Pakistan, says the statement. These F-22P frigates will be equipped with organic helicopters, specially designed for anti-submarine warfare, surface-to-surface-to-air missiles, and numerous associated self-defence systems.
Other prominent Chinese guests, including Madam Lu Xiaoyan, the vice-president of the China State Shipping Corporation (CSSC) and Mr Sun Zhoughui, the director-general administration of the COSTIND, and other high military officials witnessed the signing ceremony.
Both sides signed the contracts for the construction of the frigates with all related equipment/systems with the special element of transfer of technology.
The director-general Munitions Production, Major-General Ghazanfar Ali Khan HI (M), signed the contracts from the Pakistani side while vice-presidents of M/s China Shipbuilding and Trading Company (CSTC), M/s China National Aero Technical Import and Export Corporation (CATIC), M/s China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) and M/s China National Precision Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CPMIEC) separately signed the contracts from the Chinese side.
Our Staff Reporter adds: Pakistan and China would sign 19 trade and investment agreements worth $350 million during Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao's visit beginning on Tuesday, Privatization and Investment Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh said here on Monday.
Speaking at a news conference here, the minister said the visit would also boost Chinese investment in Pakistan which currently stood at about $20 million. China had become the third largest exporter and with an overall trade volume of more than $1 trillion this year it had started capital imports and at present it was developing border areas which would benefit Pakistan, Board of Investment (BOI) chairman Wasim Haqqui said.
Some of the agreements to be signed included $150 million for phase-II of the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant, $40 million for Lowari Top tunnel, $70-100 million for the deepening of Gwadar port from 11 metres to 14 metres, besides accords on the Neelum-Jhelum project and the Mangla Dam raising project, he said.
Dr Sheikh said the two-way trade at present stood at $2.5 billion which included $1.5 billion Chinese exports to Pakistan and $1 billion imports from here. He also said China had expressed willingness to undertake expansion of Gwadar Port at a cost of $70 million during the current year. "Gwadar Port will be inaugurated this month after which China is likely to take up its expansion plan," he added.
Responding to a question, the minister said the two sides would not sign any agreement for the second phase of Gwadar Port, but given the close bilateral relation, the two governments were always involved in such discussions.
He, however, clarified that an agreement for increasing the port's capacity to handle heavy ships would be signed during the Chinese leader's visit. The minister said a 70-member delegation comprising businessmen was accompanying the Chinese prime minister to enhance trade and economic relations.
In reply to a question, he said Chinese investors had shown keen interest in Pakistan's oil and gas sector, telecommunications, information technology, ports and shipping, infrastructure projects, housing, pharmaceutical, chemicals and engineering.
At present, Dr Sheikh said, 30 leading Chinese companies were operating in Pakistan and had shown interest in making additional investment. A Chinese mobile company, he said, was taking interest in the privatization of the PTCL which would be dis-invested by June this year. The China Mobile Company, he said, had 200 million subscribers and an annual revenue of $25 billion.
The Privatization Commission had received 18 Expressions of Interest for the dis-investment of the PTCL. He said that due diligence had been accorded to the process before the transaction was finalized by June 30.
Dr Sheikh said a decision had been made that the PTCL would be sold to a strategic buyer interested to have even 26 per cent shares. "With these 26 per cent shares, the PTCL management will be transferred to the new buyer," he added.
Dawn, 5 April 2005
<http://www.dawn.com/2005/04/05/top4.htm>
Beijing Playing Positive Role for Peace: FO - Chinese
Premier Due
Today
ISLAMABAD, April 4: Pakistan on Monday acknowledged a "positive and constructive role of China in Pakistan-India relations right from day one" and said China had been supportive of initiatives taken by Islamabad for restoring peace and security in the region.
Foreign Office spokesman Jalil Abbas Jilani made the observation while responding to a question on the eve of Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao's arrival hereon a three-day visit.
Reading out a statement at his weekly press briefing, the spokesman said: "The visit will provide a useful opportunity to exchange views on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest.
Pakistan and China have forged a comprehensive strategic partnership which is multi-dimensional and encompasses all fields. Prime Minister Wen Jiabao's visit will be another landmark in further strengthening of Pakistan-China friendship and cooperation."
The statement gives details of engagements of the Chinese prime minister during his stay in Islamabad, which include, lunch by President Pervez Musharraf and a banquet by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.
Extensive preparatory work have been done by both sides who will sign a number of agreements and MoUs relating to political, economic, trade, defence, education and other spheres. Both sides, the statement added, were closely working to underpin their excellent political relationship with strong economic and trade ties.
Prime Minister Wen Jiabao will deliver a key-note address at the inaugural session of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ADC) and speak at the Pakistan-China joint business forum. The Chinese prime minister is accompanied by a 70-member delegation comprising ministers, high-ranking officials and businessmen. …
Hasan Akhtar, Dawn,
5 April 2005
<ttp://www.dawn.com/2005/04/05/top3.htm>
JF-17 a Giant Leap Towards Self-Reliance: Musharraf
KAMRA (APP) – President General Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday described the launch of JF-17 thunder aircraft production project as a gaint leap towards indigenization and self-reliance, saying Pakistan will maintain minimum level of defensive deterrence in both conventional and unconventional fields as it wants peace with dignity and honour.
Addressing the launch ceremony of the production project of the multi-role fighter plane, jointly developed by Pakistan and China, the President said it reflects time-tested friendship between the two countries.
The time-tested, all-weather and deep-rooted Pakistan-China friendship is going from strength and will be further enhanced with the visit of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao,” he said hours before the arrival of Chinese leader for a three-day visit. …
The Nation, 6 April 2005
China, Pakistan Sign Historic Document
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) shakes hands with Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz after they sign a treaty on good neighborliness and friendly cooperation between China and Pakistan in Islamabad April 5, 2005.
ISLAMABAD, April 5 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and his Pakistani counterpart Shaukat Aziz signed a treaty for friendship, cooperation and good-neighborly relations here Tuesday.
The treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good-Neighborly Relations between the People's Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (hereinafter referred to as "the Contracting Parties") says the two parties firmly believe that to strengthen the overall good-neighborly friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the Contracting Parties is not only in the fundamental interest of the two countries and the two peoples, butalso conducive to regional and global peace, stability and development.
It reaffirms that the Joint Declaration between the People's Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Directions of Bilateral Cooperation signed by the two heads of state in 2003 is of guiding significance to deepening the bilateral relationship.
It confirms the obligations of the Contracting Parties under the Charter of the United Nations and other international treatieswhich they have acceded to.
It says the Contracting Parties shall actively develop and consolidate the bilateral strategic partnership of good-neighborlyfriendship and mutually beneficial cooperation in accordance with the universally recognized principles and norms of international law and on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Both the Parties agree to maintain a regular high-level strategic dialogue.
It notes the Contracting Parties shall adhere to the principle of non-encroachment on national territories and boundaries in international law and strictly observe the boundary agreements between the two countries. They have resolved to maintain lasting peace and friendship for generations to come in the border areas between the two countries.
The Pakistani side reiterates that there is but one China in the world, the Government of the People's Republic of China is thesole legal government representing the whole China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.
The Pakistani side supports China's great cause of national reunification and all the efforts of the Chinese government in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Pakistani side opposes any attempt by the Taiwan authorities to create "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" or "Taiwan independence".
The Chinese side reiterates its respect for Pakistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Chinese side appreciates and supports Pakistan's efforts to settle peacefully all the problems with its neighboring countries and allefforts to safeguard its state sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.
The treaty says each Contracting Party shall not join any alliance or bloc which infringes upon the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other Contracting Party, nor shall it take any action of this nature including the conclusion of treaties of this nature with a third country.
Each Contracting Party shall not allow its territory to be usedby a third country to jeopardize the state sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other Contracting Party.
It says each Contracting Party shall prohibit, on its own soil,the establishment of organizations or institutions which infringe upon the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other Contracting Party.
It notes the Contracting Parties shall, in accordance with their domestic laws, such as extradition treaty, anti-drug agreement, and other bilateral agreements and their respective international obligations, cooperate on both bilateral and multilateral basis to crack down on terrorism, separatism and extremism, as well as such activities as organized crimes, illegalimmigration and illegal trafficking in drugs and weapons.
It notes the Contracting Parties shall enhance and consolidate trust and cooperation in the military and security fields to strengthen their security.
It confirms each Contracting Party shall take effective measures in accordance with their international obligations and current domestic laws and regulations to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the other Party's legal and natural persons in its own territory.
It says the Contracting Parties shall, on the basis of equalityand mutual benefit, carry out cooperation in economy, trade, agriculture, science, technology, space technology, transportation, finance, energy, peaceful uses of nuclear technology, natural resources development, investment, customs, information technology, telecommunications and other areas of mutual interest.
It says the Contracting Parties shall establish close collaboration in the field of higher education.
It says the Contracting Parties shall, in accordance with theirdomestic laws and the international instruments to which both Parties have acceded, protect intellectual property rights, including patent, trademark, copyright and other relevant rights.
It says the Contracting Parties shall facilitate cooperation inthe above-mentioned areas in accordance with their domestic laws and international instruments.
It confirms the Contracting Parties believe it is of major significance to an enhanced mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples to expand their exchanges in culture, education, media, sports, tourism, public health and social security. The Contracting Parties shall support all walks of life of both countries to actively carry out the above-mentioned exchanges.
It notes the Contracting Parties shall, on the basis of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and other universally recognized norms of international law, enhance their cooperation in the United Nations and other international and regional organizations.
It says the Contracting Parties shall continue their cooperation in international financial institutions and economic organizations.
It notes the Contracting Parties shall carry out multilateral economic cooperation within the framework of existing and future international and regional organizations.
Beijing
Portal,
6 April 2005
<http://www.beijingportal.com.cn/7838/2005/04/06/1820@2585020.htm>
Pakistan, China Sign Treaty of Friendship: Beijing's
Assurance to Defend Territorial Integrity,
Sovereignty
ISLAMABAD, April 5: China on Tuesday held out a categorical assurance to Pakistan to defend its "sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity" as Prime Minister Wen Jiabao began a three-day visit to the country.
The two countries signed 22 agreements to boost cooperation in defence, political, trade and economic areas after formal talks between Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and his Pakistani counterpart Shaukat Aziz.
The two prime minister held over an hour-long exclusive meeting before they were joined by their delegations. The two leaders signed the 'Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good Neighbourly Relations' and witnessed the signing of other accords that include agreement on combating terrorism, separatism and extremism.
The agreement on 'early harvest programme' would offer special tariff arrangements to 767 items and would form the basis of negotiations on the free-trade area.
Under this programme, all exportable items of Pakistan, including textile goods, surgical and sports goods, vegetable, fruits, rice, citrus and mangoes, will have market access in China with tariff reduced to zero from January 2006, while Pakistan will import machinery and raw material.
Talking to reporters with Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, Mr Aziz said the treaty of friendship "institutionalizes the broad-based and multi-faceted relations between Pakistan and China".
The two leaders described the talks 'productive'. Prime Minister Aziz said Pakistan-China friendship had entered a new era. Mr Aziz underlined the need for their private sectors to more actively contribute to these efforts.
Mr Wen complemented the sentiments of Mr Aziz and said Pakistan and China enjoyed all-weather cooperation. He said the two countries held similar view on various issues. "The talks marked a new stage in the Pakistan-China friendship," he added and noted a huge potential that needed to be tapped in areas of economy and trade.
Mr Wen said they discussed means to enhance mutual trust and broaden cooperation. He said the two countries resolved the issue of 'early harvest' under the FTA negotiations which, he added, would give a fresh impetus to their bilateral trade.
"I can assure my friends that you (Pakistan) can expect more and more Chinese enterprises coming into Pakistan and vice versa," he said. Prime Minister Aziz said the two countries had agreed to encourage their private sectors to promote mutual investment and enhance flow of goods to boost trade.
He appreciated the strides Pakistan had made in the economic field, saying the conducive investment of the country offered attractive opportunities to foreign investors.
Briefing newsmen about official talks, Pakistan Ambassador to China Salman Bashir said the 'most important' aspect of the talks were the "clear and unambiguous, categorical assurance by China to defend Pakistan's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity".
Both countries would support each other's efforts to safeguard their territorial integrity, he added. Prime Minister Aziz informed the Chinese side about Pakistan's efforts for peace in the region and the ongoing composite dialogue process with India to resolve their outstanding issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the Chinese prime minister extended full support to Pakistan's efforts to see a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Mr Bashir said the two leaders had institutionalized the Pakistan-China strategic partnership by providing modalities and practical mechanism for future cooperation.
He said the agreement on anti-terrorism efforts would further intensify cooperation in this area. The ambassador said that the early harvest programme would quadruple the existing bilateral trade of nearly three billion dollars per year.
He said the conclusion of this programme was a major achievement for Pakistan and the two-way trade would see an exponential growth. Prime Minister Aziz also offered China the energy corridor.
He said the agreements on customs cooperation and in the agriculture field would further strengthen their ties. The agreements signed on Tuesday also included deepening of the Chinese-funded Gwadar port.
Interior Minister Aftab Sherpao and Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing signed an accord on combating terrorism, separatism and extremism. Education Minister Javed Ashraf and his Chinese counterpart Zhou Ji signed an accord on executive programme on cooperation and exchanges in the sphere of education.
A framework agreement for naval frigates F22P was signed by Defence Production Minister Habibullah Warriach and Zhang Yunchuan, Minister for COSTIND. Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan and Bo Xilai, Minister for MOFCOM, signed the early harvest agreement of Pakistan China free trade area. A protocol on quarantine certification of rice was signed by Food Minister Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan and Li Changjiang, Minister of AQSIQ.
A MoU on cooperation in the field of agriculture was signed by Minfal Secretary Ismail Qureshi and China's Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei. Food Minister Sikandar Bosan and Li Changjiang, Minister of AQSIQ, signed a protocol on quarantine certification of citrus.
An agreement on export of live animals to the Middle East and other destinations through Pakistan was signed by Mr Bosan and Mr Li Changjiang. A Pakistan-China IT agreement was signed by IT Secretary Khalid Saeed and Wu Dawei, Vice Foreign Minister of China.
A MoU between the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and China Scholarship Council (CSC) on the Pakistan Government-funded students education programme in China was signed by HEC chairman Dr Attaur Rehman and Madam Zhang Xiuqin, Secretary General of China Scholarship Council.
An agreement on economic and technical cooperation was signed by adviser to the prime minister on finance Salman Shah and Bo Xilai, Minister for MOFCOM of China. Another agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matters was signed by Salman Shah and Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing.
The two countries also signed 'Implementation rules of the agreement between Pakistan and China concerning international road transport'. Communications Minister Shamim Siddiqui and the Chinese foreign minister signed the document.
Export Promotion Bureau chairman Tariq Ikram and Wan Jiefi, Chairman CCPI, signed an agreement on cooperation between the EPB and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).
A MoU on the Confucius Institute between National Office for Teaching Chinese as Foreign Language (NOTCFL) and NUML was signed by Brig (retd) Aziz.
NUML Rector Ahmed Khan and Cao Guo Xing, Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchange, Ministry of Education, signed a related agreement.
The two countries also signed a MoU to begin negotiations on the free trade agreement (FTA) and on other trading issues. Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar and Bo Xilai, Minister for MOFCOM, signed the MoU.
\A MoU on strengthening of corporate entities of the two countries in manufacturing sector was signed by Privatization Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh and Bo Xilai, Minister for MOFCOM.
Addendum No.1 to the agreement for development of Duddar lead zinc deposits in Balochistan for change of performing party was signed by Naseer Mengal, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Resources, and Chen Yuan, Governor of the China Development Bank. Salman Shah and Bo Xilai, Minister for MOFCOM, exchanged letters for the study of Pakistan-China friendship centre project.
Arrival: The Chinese prime minister was accorded a warm welcome on his arrival here on Tuesday for a three-day visit. He was received by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, ministers and senior officials at the airport.
Prime Minister Aziz himself went to the airport to receive the Chinese prime minister, in a departure from routine protocol reflecting the strong and time-tested friendly relations between the two countries.
The formal welcome ceremony was held at the Prime Minister's House. The Chinese prime minister was accorded a 19-gun salute when he alighted from his special plane. A contingent of Pakistan Air Force presented salute to the Chinese prime minister, while an army band played welcomed tunes on the occasion.
The airport was decorated with flags of Pakistan and China and big portraits of presidents and prime ministers of the two countries. The route from airport to the Prime Minister's House was also decorated with welcome banners, bunting and flags of Pakistan and China.
Fruit Export: Talking to China's Minister for General Administration Li Changjiang, Prime Minister Aziz said Pakistan produced a variety of fruits and was now focusing on maintaining international standards to encourage their export.
Mr Aziz said Pakistan produced one of the best oranges, especially kinnoo, and expressed the hope that its export would increase. He said Pakistan took the quarantine issue very seriously and wanted to maintain high quality of its products as it recognized their importance in enhancing export of agriculture products.
The Chinese minister informed the prime minister that he had held useful talks with Food Minister Sikandar Hayat Bosan and they had signed agreements in the livestock sector. - APP/AFP
Dawn, 6 April 2005
<http://www.dawn.com/2005/04/06/top2.htm>
Strong China no Threat to Any Country: Wen
ISLAMABAD, April 6: Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao said here on Wednesday that his country would never pose a threat to any other country nor would it seek to dominate Asia.
"Some people are worried that a stronger and more developed China will pose a threat to other countries. Such a worry is completely misplaced," he said in his key-note address at the opening ceremony of the fourth Foreign Ministers' Meeting of Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) here.
China was still a developing country with a per capita income of slightly over $1,000, well behind the 100th place in the world, he said. "We will continue to concentrate on addressing domestic concerns," he said.
"We still have a long way to go before China is modernised. Even if we become stronger and more developed, we will not stand in the way of others, still less become a threat to others. China will never seek hegemony," he added.
Mr Wen said China would continue to broaden and deepen its economic cooperation with Asian countries whether large or small, rich or poor, by considering them as equal partners.
"No matter how international climate might change, the Chinese people will always be trustworthy and reliable partner for the Asian people," he said. The Chinese prime minister said Asia faced numerous difficulties which posed a serious impediment to its growth.
"There are problems left over by history, such as territorial, ethnic and religious disputes. There are also hot-spot issues, uneven economic development, terrorism, transnational crime, environment degradation, spread of infectious diseases and other new problems and the existence and interweaving of all these problems have created a serious impediment to Asia's development," he said.
Asia's natural and human resources and large market gave it an incomparable advantage for economic growth, but peace, stability and cooperation were necessary for prosperity, he added.
Mr Wen said Asia was a very complicated region in the world today, notwithstanding the promise it held out for the betterment of its people. He called upon the 26-member ACD to take up the 'historic responsibility' to meet the challenges being faced by the region.
The ACD was set up in June 2002 in Thailand by 26 countries to work for real and tangible peace and prosperity for the people of Asia. The Chinese premier was of the view that Asian countries would have to renew their joint commitment to a new Asia of peace, stability, cooperation and development. "Coming into the 21st century, Asia remains a dynamic region, facing a historical opportunity of rejuvenation and development generally".
However, he said, the international situation provided Asia a favourable environment because of its rich natural and human resources. The broad market, he continued, gave Asia an incomparable advantage for sustained economic growth, institutional innovation, economic restructuring and technological leapfrogging in many countries, providing Asian economies with a powerful driving force for development.
"Regional cooperation with unique Asian characteristics is well on the upswing which promises to upgrade Asian competitiveness as a whole," Mr Wen said. He pointed out that Asia needed peace, stability, cooperation and development in all major fields.
He said peace was a pre-condition and guarantee for well-being and prosperity and that warfare or conflicts not only caused agony and suffering to people but also wasted time and opportunity for national development.
"Mutual respect, dialogue on an equal footing, friendly consultation and mutual understanding and accommodation are the rational choices when it comes to resolving disputes and conflicts."
He said ACD countries must spare no efforts to cultivate in Asia a regional environment of peace with mutual trust and lasting stability. Domestic stability was essential to all Asian countries, he said, adding that regional cooperation was all the more important given the backdrop of the trend of economic globalization.
The Chinese prime minister regretted that most Asian countries were underdeveloped and the combined population of the poor made up two-thirds of the world's total. "If Asia succeeds in achieving development and improving the living standard of its people, this is itself a monumental contribution to the whole world."
A truly Asian century would never materialize unless Asia developed as a whole, he added. He said Beijing had resolved boundary issues with its neighbours through consultation on an equal footing, mutual understanding and accommodation.
China, he said, supported the role of Asia-based regional and sub-regional cooperation mechanisms and was working hard to enhance political trust, deepen trade and economic cooperation, expand cultural exchanges and strengthen security dialogue with other Asian countries with a view to making greater contribution to Asian cooperation in all fields.
"Asia should be open to the outside world, while striving for development," he said, adding that Asian cooperation was not exclusive, nor was it targeted against any other party.
Mr Wen said Asia had become the world's fastest growing and most dynamic region economically by saying 'no' to backwardness. He advised the ACD countries to focus on trade and economic cooperation while moving forward mutually beneficial cooperation across the board.
The Chinese prime minister said his people loved peace, cherished stability and sought cooperation and were committed to development like other Asian peoples. He said in coping with the big challenges in resources and environment, China had made positive progress by mainly relying on its own efforts, while engaging in mutually beneficial cooperation with others, thus causing no trouble to others. "And by adhering to the independent foreign policy of peace and strengthening good-neighbourliness and friendship with other countries, we have succeeded in securing an external environment favourable to our domestic development," he said.
He said that China would continue to adhere to five principles of peaceful coexistence and step up dialogue and consultation which contributed to removing sticking points, increasing common understanding and arriving at a proper settlement of the issues left over by history.
Ihtashamul Haque, Dawn, 7 April 2005
<http://www.dawn.com/2005/04/07/top7.htm>
A New Chapter in Relations
Even though friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and China in economic and security matters is decades old, the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good Neighbourly Relations takes their relationship to a higher stage.
To quote Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, the treaty, signed in Islamabad on Tuesday, marks "a new stage in Pakistan-China friendship". Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz struck a similar note when he said the treaty "institutionalizes the broad-based and multi-faceted relationship" between the two countries.
The signing of the treaty followed formal talks between Prime Ministers Wen and Aziz in Islamabad. According to Pakistan's ambassador in Beijing, during the talks China gave a "clear and unambiguous" assurance to defend Pakistan's "sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity".
Tuesday also saw the launching of the production process of the JF-17, a multi-role jet fighter aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China. Inaugurating the ceremony in Kamra, President Pervez Musharraf emphasized that the JF-17 testified to "the time-tested, all-weather and deep-rooted" friendship between the two countries. Premier Wen's current visit, he said, would further strengthen this relationship.
From a modest beginning in 1955 at Bandung, where prime ministers Mohammed Ali (Bogra) and Zhou En-lai developed an understanding, Sino-Pakistan relations have come a long way.
The earliest agreements concerned border demarcation, cooperation in civil aviation that led to PIA's Shanghai flight, and the building of the Karakoram Highway. Since then, the exchange of visits by such luminaries as Suhrawardy, Zhou En-lai, Liu Shao-chi, Ayub Khan and Z.A. Bhutto further consolidated relations. In practical terms, this has found an expression in close cooperation in economic and security matters.
Pakistan has always followed a one-China policy, while successive governments in Beijing have upheld Pakistan's position on Kashmir. Islamabad's latest move to initiate a process of normalization with India has been backed by China, while Pakistan has reiterated support to Beijing's anti-secession law passed recently by the Chinese parliament.
As for military cooperation, China has been one of Pakistan's major suppliers of military items, including tanks, heavy artillery, MiGs and naval vessels. A day before Mr Wen's arrival, Islamabad and Beijing signed an agreement for the construction of four frigates in Pakistan.
As for economic cooperation, the relationship has of late acquired wider dimensions. Some of Pakistan's mega projects - the Chashma-II nuclear power plant, the Gwadar port, the copper and zinc mines and the Gomal Zam dam - are being undertaken with Chinese assistance.
On the whole China is involved in over 100 projects in Pakistan. On Tuesday, the two sides signed 22 agreements, covering a number of areas ranging from trade and investment in industry and agriculture to technical and cultural cooperation.
Another landmark agreement is the "early harvest programme" under which China will offer export incentives to Pakistan and bring to zero all tariff on 767 items, including textile goods, surgical and sports items and a wide variety of agricultural products, including citrus and mangoes.
This is the first step towards establishing a free-trade area between the two countries. As for investment, even though a number of Chinese companies are engaged in oil and gas exploration and mining, besides automobile, engineering and IT industries, there is vast scope for greater Chinese investment.
Islamabad must do more to attract Chinese investment, and as Premier Wen said Islamabad "can expect more and more Chinese enterprises coming into Pakistan and vice versa".
Unfortunately, Pakistani entrepreneurs unfortunately have not availed themselves of the opportunity which China's vast market offers. That explains why the balance of trade is in China's favour and the volume of trade is a niggardly one and a half billion dollars.
The agreements and the friendship treaty have been signed 16 months after President Hu Jintao and President Musharraf initialled a landmark declaration of principles in Beijing.
The declaration defined the objectives of their relations and was recognized as a roadmap to their future relationship. Specifically, it focussed on the need to cooperate in dealing with "three forces" - terrorism, splittism and extremism. This community of interests found expression on Tuesday when Premier Wen reiterated the two countries' resolve to fight these "three vices".
Pakistan and China present a model of meaningful friendship and cooperation to the world. Both have gained immensely from this relationship, and there is no doubt that the future will bring them even closer. However, the government and opposition in Pakistan would do well to take a look at China's example and try to learn from its experience. What stands between Pakistan and a faster pace of economic and social progress is the depressing domestic scene.
Without internal tranquillity and a stable political system Pakistan cannot hope to achieve an economic breakthrough. All Pakistani leaders must keep this in view if they are to forge closer relations with China and other countries in the world and improve the quality of life of their people.
Editorial, Dawn, 7 April 2005
<http://www.dawn.com/2005/04/07/ed.htm>
Ties with China
Former Chinese premier, Zhu Rongji, once said of Sino-Pakistan ties that "the friendly exchanges between the two peoples date back to the dawn of history, and such friendly relations have stood the test of history." More recently, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said, "Pakistan and China have had fruitful cooperation in politics, economy, foreign affairs and personnel exchange."
Similar sentiments have been expressed at the presidential level. According to President Pervez Musharraf, "Despite changes at the regional and global levels, the deep-rooted ties between the two countries have been gaining strength with the passage of time."
Meanwhile, Chinese President Hu Jintao acknowledged that "nothing would affect the decades old Sino-Pakistan friendship despite the changes in the global and regional situation."
He has thanked Pakistan for its continued support on the issues of Taiwan, Tibet and human rights, and for being the first country to support the anti-secession law passed by the National Peoples Congress in March 2005.
For all the warmth of ties, variously described as "all-weather" and "timed-honoured", since the 1980s Chinese foreign relations have undergone a qualitative change. There has been a shift from a centric ideology to a pragmatic approach.
The change was brought about by Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping who launched major economic and social reforms in an attempt to modernize his country. He was followed by President Jiang Zemin who tried to improve relations with western countries.
Hu Jintao, the current president, represents the "moderate and pragmatic current" and has continued with the policy of market economy and the economic development inaugurated a quarter of a century earlier by Deng Xiaoping. All these leaders developed peaceful relations with China's 14 neighbours and concentrated on economic growth.
Earlier in the 1960s, during the era of Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai, the Indo-China border conflict took place in 1962 and the Sino-Pakistan Frontier Agreement was signed in 1963.
China supported self-determination in Kashmir as under the UN resolutions. Since the beginning of Deng Xiaoping's leadership in 1981, Chinese policy embarked on a transforming course.
Today, China is urging both India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir dispute through "mutual dialogue" and "bilateral means". This is in keeping with the Chinese Indian policy.
Relations between China and India have had a major breakthrough. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, in an interview ahead of his visit to India commencing on April 9, said that Sino-Indian relations had entered a "new period of comprehensive cooperation" that outweighed differences.
He remarked that Sino-Chinese cooperation "far outweighs our competition, our common understanding our differences. We have every reason to be friendly and cooperative and no reason whatsoever to go for conflict or confrontation." He said that, "China and India have reached an important consensus.
That is, both sides should view and handle the relations from a strategic high ground bearing in mind the larger picture, and refuse to let questions left over from history disrupt and impede the development of bilateral relations."
In the economic sphere, trade between India and China is accelerating. If a free trade agreement is signed between the two countries, which is a likely development, there will be a tremendous leap forward in their relations.
China has come out of its isolation of the 1950s and 60s. Since 9/11, there has been a greater understanding between the US and China as both of them are partners in the war on terror, although their differences on US support to Taiwan and Japan remains a major obstacle to the development of cordial relations.
In any case, Pakistan remains very important to China. Owing to its strategic location, it has served as a bridge between China and the Middle East as well as in Sino-US rapprochement.
This role is likely to persist even under the changed international scenario. Pakistan supports the Chinese stance on Taiwan, its policy against terrorism, and recognizes its neighbour's full market economic status. Apart from political and defence cooperation between the two countries, economic relations are also showing an upward trend.
Several important projects in Pakistan have been completed, or are underway, with Chinese assistance. These include the Karakorum highway, the Indus highway, a heavy mechanical complex, the Pakistan aeronautical complex, the Saindak project, the Guddu thermal power station, the Jamshoro power station, the Chashma nuclear power plant, the Ghazi Brotha project, the Thar coal power-generation project and the Gwadar port.
Before his visit to Pakistan, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao acknowledged that "China and Pakistan are indeed good friends, good neighbours and good partners." He added, "Greater emphasis should be put on closer trade and economic ties while deepening mutually beneficial cooperation across-the board."
Dr Noor ul Haq, Dawn, 7 April 2005
<http://www.dawn.com/2005/04/07/op.htm#2>
Sino-Pak Economy Ties
Pakistan is the corner stone of China
policy not only in the region but world over. Notwithstanding, changes in
relations to China's policy during the present decade, Sino-Pakistan relations
have consolidated and deeply rooted. During the visit of Premier Wen, China is
offering around 19 agreements worth US$ 350 million mainly in the field of
business, trade, and investment in various diversified areas of cooperation.
Pakistani leaders must understand that a semi-feudal and backward looking Pakistan is definitely not in China's increasing global interests any more. Bilateral trade and extended economic cooperation between the two countries should help promote Pakistan's domestic economic infrastructure. These expected agreements are designed to up-grade Pakistan's economic infrastructure.
The present Chinese cooperation can be seen in the context
of the
Deep Sea Gwadar Port, a project of US$ 848 million value. China has supplied
US$ 198 million out of 248 million for the construction of phase-I. The cost
of phase-II is estimated around US$ 600 million. The Chinese side was expected
to make the announcement about their share that ranges from US$ 70 to 100
million in this regard during Premier Wen's visit.
In spite of terrorist activities and Iran's reservations, Pakistan and China
are working hard to complete the project. Iran's reservations are also
baseless on the ground that Pakistan got all inherent rights to develop its
domestic economic infrastructure. Iran has already upset Pakistan's interests
when it built Chahabar Port with Indian assistance to undermine the transit
facility of Gwadar for Central Asian countries. The Gwadar Port will be the
lasting symbol of Sino-Pakistan friendship in spite of anti-development
sentiments to keep Pakistan and its largest province Balochistan backward. The
significance of the Port is immense.
It will connect Pakistan with landlocked Central Asian Republics as a conduit to warm waters. Moreover, internal dissatisfaction in Balochistan about the Gwadar Port has no real grounds. The Sardars just simply want to maintain their hold on power and politics and for that reason they would not like any developmental work in the province. People of Balochistan will be the chief and direct beneficiaries of this project. Chinese and Pakistani commitment to complete the Gwadar Port is the latest symbol of Pakistan-China time-tested friendship and cooperation. 'Gwadar Port will play a key role in promoting social and economic progress in the region and provide new opportunities for China-Pakistan trade', as stated by Premier Wen during his latest interview. Earlier Chasma II nuclear project was completed in last May - another sign of Pakistan-China lasting friendship. Premier Wen is expected to inaugurate the Chashma Nuclear Power Project Unit-2 worth US$ 150 million during his visit.
So far as bilateral trade is concerned, the present volume of trade between the two countries is at the tune of US$ 2.5 billion. In terms of Pakistan's imports, China has emerged as the second largest trading partner by sharing over 10 percent of Pakistan's total foreign imports by September 2004. However, in terms of Pakistan's exports, only 2.3 percent of Pakistani goods were shipped to China by September 2004 compared to 1.8 percent during the preceding year. This made China 13 largest export market for Pakistani goods. Therefore, bilateral trade hugely tilted in China's favor i.e., over US$ 620 million.
This also meant that with trade liberalization under the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), signed in January this year followed by PM Shaukat Aziz visit to China in November 2004, Pakistani exporters have not taken any benefits yet. Nevertheless, PTA witnessed the growth of bilateral trade with the tone of 43 percent increase as tariff on many items was removed, thus making market more attractive. China is a potential market with a population over one billion along with the rapid economic boom. Pakistani exporters must explore the vast Chinese market to increase their volume of export to that country. The increase of Pakistan's exports to China by 26 percent under PTA is a positive and encouraging sign. Pakistani exporters must depict a major increase other than large share of over 70 percent of cotton and fabric, hide and skin exports to China. Pakistani exporters must realize that it is not only a 'cotton route' but a 'silk route' too. In the long run, PTA will help promote Chinese investments in Pakistan too.
So far as Free Trade Area (FTA) is concerned, it will enrich the contents of the trade, investment, and overall economic relationship between China and Pakistan. Chinese investors poured only US$ 20 million into Pakistani market. Pakistan is a potential market for Chinese investors because of market demand and cheap labor, investment friendly climate, and many other incentives that are being offered to foreign investors. Chinese businessmen have already got a good image in Pakistan. There seems no reason why the Chinese investors do not come in a big way to invest in Pakistan. Nearly 30 Chinese companies are operating in the oil and gas, IT, telecom, power generation, engineering, automobiles, infrastructure and mining sectors at the moment, and these companies can use Pakistan as a gateway for penetrating into Central Asian markets. National Bank of Pakistan's branch in Beijing is not only providing business facilities to Chinese businessmen to do business in Pakistan, the bank also facilities them to do business in Afghanistan and Kyrgzstan. Chinese financial institutions such as banks, trusts, securities, and corporations should also open their branches in Pakistan to promote business between the two countries. A breakthrough is needed in this sector.
Premier Wen's visit will surely enhance already existing economic ties between the two countries in a much wider scale. Moreover, his key-note address at 26-member the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) regarding economic cooperation among Asian countries will be an important milestone in cooperation by realizing the fact that by 2020 out of ten leading world economies, seven will be in Asia alone with China overtaking overall United States' GNP. Therefore, not only Asian economic cooperation is increasingly becoming crucial, Sino-Pakistan economic cooperation in trade, investment, and other areas will be the cornerstone of Pakistan's economic relations in the coming years. This solid economic relationship will also shed the old Cold-War type mentality between the two countries and will put them on the path of mutually beneficial economic cooperation in view of the free market economy in the years to come.
Dr Ahmad Rashid Malik,
Nation,
7 April 2005
<http://nation.com.pk/daily/apr-2005/7/columns4.php>
New Level of Friendship with China
For some inexplicable reason, the Pakistan Foreign Office has not published the text of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good-neighbourly Relations signed between Pakistan and China on Tuesday. For that reason, some of the most significant clauses of the treaty have remained unknown to the Pakistani people.
More regrettably, China's pledge with regard to "Pakistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity" has come to the people of Pakistan as assurances given by Prime Minister Wen Jiabao during talks with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, making the people wonder what the treaty has to say about the matter.
As quoted by wire services, Pakistan's ambassador to China, Mr Salman Bashir, told newsmen the most important feature of the talks was the "clear and unambiguous" and "categorical assurance by China to defend Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity." In the absence of the text of the treaty, this looks like a Pakistani claim or interpretation of what happened during the Wen-Aziz talks.
Fortunately, the Chinese side has released extracts from the treaty which can be seen on the website of the People's Daily of China (www.english.people.com.cn). A reading of the extracts makes it clear that what Pakistan and China signed on April 5 was more than a treaty of friendship and cooperation.
First, let us see what the treaty itself says about the "most important" aspect of the accord. The Chinese side, the treaty says, "reiterates its respect for Pakistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity", while Islamabad in return "supports China's great cause of national reunification and all the efforts of the Chinese government in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity".
It is, however, the subsequent clause that can give us an indication of the true significance of the treaty, for it stipulates that neither party will join "any alliance or bloc which infringes upon the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity" of the other side. The next sentence of this clause makes the treaty unique, for it stipulates that neither Pakistan nor China will conclude a similar treaty with any other country.
The clause says, "Each contracting party shall not join any alliance or bloc which infringes upon the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other contracting party, nor shall it take any action of this nature, including the conclusion of treaties of this nature with a third country".
This aspect of the treaty not only "institutionalizes" their relations as pointed out by Mr Aziz, it takes the Sino-Pakistan relationship to an altogether new and a higher level of commitment which neither Pakistan nor China has to any other country.
This clause should be seen against another article of the treaty which asks the two sides to "enhance and consolidate trust and cooperation in the military and security fields to strengthen their security". The following are the extracts published by the People's Daily:
The treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good neighbourly Relations between the People's Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (hereinafter referred to as "the Contracting Parties") says the two parties firmly believe that to strengthen the overall good neighbourly friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the Contracting Parties is not only in the fundamental interest of the two countries and the two peoples, but also conducive to regional and global peace, stability and development.
It reaffirms that the Joint Declaration between the People's Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Directions of Bilateral Cooperation signed by the two heads of state in 2003 is of guiding significance to deepening the bilateral relationship.
It confirms the obligations of the Contracting Parties under the Charter of the United Nations and other international treaties which they have acceded to. It says that the Contracting Parties shall actively develop and consolidate the bilateral strategic partnership of good neighbourly friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation in accordance with the universally recognized principles and norms of international law and on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Both the Parties agree to maintain a regular high- level strategic dialogue.
It notes the Contracting Parties shall adhere to the principle of non-encroachment on national territories and boundaries in international law and strictly observe the boundary agreements between the two countries. They have resolved to maintain lasting peace and friendship for generations to come in the border areas between the two countries.
The Pakistani side reiterates that there is but one China in the world, the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.
The Pakistani side supports China's great cause of national reunification and all the efforts of the Chinese government in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Pakistani side opposes any attempt by the Taiwan authorities to create "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" or "Taiwan independence".
The Chinese side reiterates its respect for Pakistan's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Chinese side appreciates and supports Pakistan's efforts to settle peacefully all the problems with its neighbouring countries and all efforts to safeguard its state sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.
The treaty says each Contracting Party shall not join any alliance or bloc which infringes upon the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other Contracting Party, nor shall it take any action of this nature including the conclusion of treaties of this nature with a third country.
Each Contracting Party shall not allow its territory to be used by a third country to jeopardize the state sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other Contracting Party.
It says each Contracting Party shall prohibit,
on its own soil, the establishment of organizations or institutions which
infringe upon the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of the other
Contracting Party.
It notes that the Contracting Parties shall, in accordance with their domestic
laws, such as extradition treaty, anti-drug agreement, and other bilateral
agreements and their respective international obligations, cooperate on both
bilateral and multilateral basis to crack down on terrorism, separatism and
extremism, as well as such activities as organized crimes, illegal immigration
and illegal trafficking in drugs and weapons.
It notes the Contracting Parties shall enhance and consolidate trust and cooperation in the military and security fields to strengthen their security. It confirms each Contracting Party shall take effective measures in accordance with their international obligations and current domestic laws and regulations to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the other Party's legal and natural persons in its own territory.
It says the Contracting Parties shall, on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, carry out cooperation in economy, trade, agriculture, science, technology, space technology, transportation, finance, energy, peaceful uses of nuclear technology, natural resources development, investment, customs, information technology, telecommunications and other areas of mutual interest.
It says the Contracting Parties shall establish close collaboration in the field of higher education. It says the Contracting Parties shall, in accordance with their domestic laws and the international instruments to which both Parties have acceded, protect intellectual property rights, including patent, trademark, copyright and other relevant rights. It says the Contracting Parties shall facilitate cooperation in the above-mentioned areas in accordance with their domestic laws and international instruments.
It affirms the Contracting Parties believe it is of major significance to an enhanced mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples to expand their exchanges in culture, education, media, sports, tourism, public health
