Beijing:
China foresees an even greater role for Pakistan in international and regional affairs and is ready to help Islamabad achieve this goal, said a senior Chinese official as both countries renewed their commitment to security and financial cooperation in the wake of changing power dynamics in South Asia.
Chen Wei, adviser to the Department of Asian Affairs for China’s Foreign Ministry told a visitor Pakistani delegation in Beijing that China would stand firm with Pakistan to protect its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and support his efforts to play a greater and greater role in regional and global affairs.
The renewed emphasis on strategic ties follows a dramatic turn earlier this year when India launched a military operation against Pakistan in May. The offensive, as analysts say, has changed the region’s security order ended up with Pakistan rejecting the assault using Chinese -made missiles and fighter jets. At least six Indian aircraft, including Rafale Jets, were destroyed in the confrontation.
Wei said China’s attitude during the conflict reflected the nature of the partnership. “As a good neighbor, friend and partner, we will continue to support Pakistan in maintaining stability and prosperity in South Asia,” he noted, adding that Beijing is calling on both Pakistan and India to pursue dialogue to avoid further confrontation.
While safety tapes remain at the forefront, both sides also move to consolidate financial cooperation. On the second phase of China-Pakistan, Wei pointed out the financial corridor (CPEC) as a “high quality stage in the development” with a special focus on Punjab, where many of the corridor’s early projects were completed. “Punjab has control and safety benefits, and we are ready to elaborate on the collaboration there and also in the rest of Pakistan for higher quality CPEC projects,” he said.
Chinese officials emphasized that development and security are mutually reinforcing and called on Pakistan to increase the protection of Chinese staff and businesses working on projects. “A lot of Chinese want to invest in Pakistan, including in Punjab and Balochistan, but security is still their main concern,” Wei told the delegation. “We always encourage our people to invest in Pakistan and we will continue this support if a safe environment is ensured.”
In addition to bilateral ties, China is pushing to integrate more regional players into collaborative frameworks, at a time when the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has largely stopped. Wei said that Beijing recently hosted a tri-national meeting with Pakistan and Bangladesh and urges Nepal, Sri Lanka and the Maldives to participate in future initiatives.
