The journey of Pak-China Friendship began in 1950 when Pakistan entered diplomatic relations with China. It served as the foundation of a long and fruitful friendship between the two countries. Pak-China relations became economically beneficial in the year 1979 and, soon enough, China became Pakistan’s third largest trading partner. China also started serving as the largest supplier of arms for the Pakistani military force a few decades ago. In fact, as per a 2018 report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, China provides around 70 percent of weapons to its southern neighbor.
Being good strategic partners, Pakistan and China support each other in a lot of matters. For example, whenever Pakistan raises its voice over the human rights violations committed by Indian forces in the disputed territory of Kashmir, it is usually backed by China. Similarly, military cooperation between the two countries has also strengthened in recent years because of the collaboration on multiple projects related to the testing and launch of many assets and equipment used by the armed forces.
Pakistan and China have also decided to cooperate with each other for the improvement of the civil nuclear power sector in Pakistan. All these are fine examples of strengthening Pak-China relations. The two countries have also joined hands to further enhance the use of technology in the field of energy production in Pakistan. These measures have been taken with an advanced approach to make use of alternative resources that are natural, clean and available in abundance in Pakistan for the generation of energy. Pakistan and China are also working together on improving the mechanism regarding the commercial use of nuclear power.
Gwadar, which is a port city found in the coastal region of Balochistan, is one of the key priorities of the CPEC. The stakeholders of the project, with the support of the Government of Pakistan, are interested in turning Gwadar into a Smart Port City. However, while it still appears to be a distant reality, the development work on the Gwadar port and its surrounding areas is going on at a good pace. All of this progress is the fruit of systematic collaboration among many investors, developers and the Gwadar Port Authority. Formed over a decade ago, the GDA is playing a significant in developments pertaining to the CPEC. A lot is happening in the real estate sector of Gwadar as its expansion is underway and the value of properties in this city is likely to go further up in the coming years. Many new commercial and residential projects are being constructed in the city of Gwadar these days in order to let its future residents enjoy an adequately facilitated lifestyle. The development in Gwadar holds great significance in terms of Pak-China relations.
Readers, China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which has been termed as a Game Changer is a 3000 km Chinese infrastructure network project undertaken in Pakistan. This sea-and-land based corridor is aimed to secure and reduce the passage for China’s energy imports from the Middle Eastern countries by avoiding existing route from the Straits of Malacca between Malaysia and Indonesia, which in case of a war could be blocked and thus hampering the Chinese energy dependent economical avenues. Developing a deep water port at Gwadar in Arabian Sea and a well built road and rail line from this port to Xinjiang Province in western China would be a shortcut for boosting the trade between Europe and China. In Pakistan, its aim is to overcome an electricity shortfall, infrastructural development and modernize transportation networks. Along with shifting it from an agricultural based economic structure to industrial based.
Many hydropower, solar power and wind energy projects account for a significant part of the CPEC project. According to Pakistan’s Government official website for CPEC, some of these projects are planned and under construction, while others have already been completed and made operational. Keeping in view the requirements and concerted efforts of all stakeholders, 17 projects completed in the last 5 years, while 18 projects are in progress; significant projects include using the establishment of four SEZs, socio-economic development of Gwadar and the addition of over 5000 MW in power sector.
A big role in the regard of CPEC has been played by Pakistan Army as the security provided to CPEC and Chinese officials were ensured by the army. The army has also foiled all the nefarious designs of the enemies to sabotage the CPEC projects. Chinese Government and their officials had also acknowledged and appreciated the Pakistan Army’s sincere efforts for regional peace and the provision of a secure environment for CPEC projects. Providing security to the Chamalang coal mines, raising the special security division for the protection of CPEC routes, developing road infrastructure for CPEC, and assisting the government in the development and construction of the much-needed dams at considerably low costs through the FWO has provided the much-desired economic leverage to the government. The efforts of the Special Communication Organization (SCO) in northern Pakistan are also commendable as it has provided much-needed support to CPEC projects and has personnel listed as the soft prong of diplomacy and nation-building tasks.
Pak Army is ensuring the security of CPEC and had already deputed a division for its security. The 34th Light Infantry Division, also known as Special Security Division (SSD), is a 2-Star Pakistan Army formation, raised in September 2016 as a response to major concerns over how to protect the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its workforce from serious internal and external threats. For this purpose, a Special Security Division (SSD) was raised for the protection and security of the flagship project. Military engineers and workforce have been building segments of this corridor, where the road does not exist and the Army had taken upon itself the entire responsibility for its security. The success of CPEC can be accredited to Pakistan Army as well.
Army Chief also visited China few weeks ago to discuss bilateral issues and military cooperation between the both countries. Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to China-Pakistan Strategic relationship while pledging full support for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), according to the ISPR statement recently.
According to the ISPR, Army Chief General Asim Munir met Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister H.E. Qin Gang at his office recently.
Matters of mutual interests including regional security and defense cooperation came under discussion. During the meeting, the COAS reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to China-Pakistan Strategic relationship. He also pledged full support for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, which is a vital component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The Army Chief appreciated China’s unwavering support for Pakistan on regional and international issues. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang underscored the importance of the longstanding strategic relationship between the brotherly nations and expressed his satisfaction over the progress made on the CPEC while reiterating China’s commitment to its timely completion. He also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in maintaining regional peace and stability, especially the support of Pakistan Armed Forces for provision of security to Chinese Nationals and projects in Pakistan.
The two leaders also discussed the evolving security situation in the region.
Gen Asim Munir acknowledged China’s role in promoting peace and stability in the region, and both sides agreed to enhance their existing cooperation in defense and security domains to effectively counter common security challenges.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides reiterating their resolve to further strengthen the time-tested, all-weather friendship between Pakistan and China. Army is showing full commitment with CPEC and ensuring all arrangements to provide fool proof security for this game changing project.
Readers, CPEC is a best example of everlasting Pak-China friendship and its successful completion will further strengthen the ties between two friendly countries. Whole nation and Pak Army are on one page for safe continuation and timely completion of CPEC.