China: The True Friend
By the Editor

RENEWING unique and marvelous Sino-Pakistan friendship, the Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao flew into Islamabad on Tuesday on a three day official visit to Pakistan—to a warm, colorful and tumultuous welcome—befitting the time tested friendship.

While in Pakistan, the Chinese PM will hold talks with President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, besides delivering keynote address at the Asian Cooperation Dialogue. He is also scheduled to address Pak-China Joint Business Forum.

A number of agreements for enhanced cooperation in multifarious fields were signed on Wednesday—as an emblem of Mr. Wen’s visit and fabulous symbol of the close friendly ties—the two countries enjoy.

To recap—Pakistan and China have long enjoyed deep friendship that has withstood the vagaries of international politics.

It has rather gained a impressive strength with the passage of time—forging greater cooperation in various fields between the two countries.

As a matter of fact—Pakistan and China have common perception on various regional and international issues—for the promotion of peace, security and stability in the world in general and in the region in particular.

The gigantic Karakoram Highway, Heavy Mechanical Complex, Gwadar Deep Seaport and Chashma Nuclear Power Plant—are some of the symbols of the multifaceted friendship between the two countries.

Their cooperation in the defense field is also monumental—as both countries have entered into collaboration in the manufacture of warplanes.

A sophisticated warplane the dazzling Thunder Jet—is being manufactured by the two countries as a joint venture.

Amid this perception, the current visit by Mr Wen Jiabao’s to Pakistan is undoubtedly a landmark in further boosting the Sino-Pak ties.

Pakistan and China already have a comprehensive strategic partnership, which is multi-dimensional and encompasses all fields.

And Mr Jiabao’s visit will provide a useful opportunity for exchange of views on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest during his talks with Pakistani leaders.

To give still more impetus and to boost the Sino-Pak ties, as many as over 20 agreements and MoUs have been signed in political, economic, trade, defense, education and other fields.

Simultaneously, China will support various development projects including Chashma II Nuclear Power Plant, Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project, Mangla Dam Raising, Thar Coal and Lower Tunnel.

Similarly, Pakistan’s most trusted friend—China will undertake the deepening of the Gwadar Port in the second phase of its construction and development.

As a manifestation of close ties, Pakistan and China have already inked a contract on Monday under which China will supply four frigates to Pakistan with transfer of technology.

It certainly makes evident China’s understanding of Pakistan’s security needs in view of the expanding Indian naval strength in the Indian Ocean.

Significantly, China is also playing a ‘positive and constructive role’ in Pakistan-India relations and is supportive of the initiatives taken by Islamabad for restoring peace and security in the region of South Asia.

The Pakistani nation extends warmest greetings to the great friend—the Chinese Prime Minister Mr Wen Jiabao on his arrival in Islamabad for a visit to Pakistan—which would certainly take the bilateral ties between China and Pakistan to the echelon of still more zeniths—much higher and enlarged than the mighty Himalayan range.● 

 —  Mumtaz Hamid Rao
www.MumtazRao.net