Local people in Peshawar, northwestern Pakistan, enjoy a tea break in this file photo taken Jan 21, 2018. Tea has been a traditional link between Pakistan and China. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Today is the 69th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan. Since 21st May 1951, the two countries have developed an exemplary all-season friendship which was based on equality, brotherhood and overall cooperation and is entering new heights of multi-dimensional cooperation in varied fields.

Despite unstable international situation, the China-Pakistan friendship has remained strong and vibrant. After the state visits to Pakistan by Premier Li Keqiang in 2013 and by President Xi Jinping in 2015, the two countries have further promoted cooperation.

The special friendship between Pakistan and China was the choice of history as it had deep roots in the hearts of people of the two countries.

 “We want to see a united and strong Pakistan with stability and prosperity,” Chinese President Xi said during a meeting with President Dr Arif Alvi in Beijing in March. “China will stay committed to our ironclad friendship and will expand our strategic cooperation.”

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President Arif Alvi said he was visiting China to show solidarity with the people and the leadership of China while they were successfully fighting the COVID-19 outbreak.  

In the early years of Sino-Pakistan diplomatic relations, Pakistan remained inactive as it was an ally of the West. The period between 1957 and 1969 witnessed an important phase in the history of the Sino-Pakistan relations. During this period, historical changes took place in bilateral relations, which opened a new chapter in the relationship in the 1970s; steady developments were made to strengthen friendly cooperation between the two governments and their people. Since 1990, drastic changes have taken place on the international horizon; however, China and Pakistan has further developed.

The success and strengthening of the relationship remembered the important role started from His Excellency Mr Han Nianlong, the first Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan.

The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 opened a new chapter of consultation and collaboration between China and Pakistan. The two countries were in total agreement that the Soviet military presence in Afghanistan posed a great threat to the security of the entire region and prepared to co-ordinate their policies to face the challenge. Support to Pakistan’s security was the major feature of China’s Afghan policy because they wanted to honor their often repeated commitments. Regarding recent developments in Afghanistan, China and Pakistan have a close understanding of each other’s point of view.

The Sino-Pakistan relationship plays a central role in Asia's geopolitics, from the threat of nuclear terrorism to the continent's new map of mines, ports and pipelines

The Sino-Pakistan relationship plays a central role in Asia's geopolitics, from the threat of nuclear terrorism to the continent's new map of mines, ports and pipelines. Pakistan lies at the heart of a new Silk Road connecting the energy fields of the Middle East and the markets of Europe to the mega-cities of East Asia.   

Cultural and people-to-people exchanges have expanded. A 100-member youth delegation of Pakistan visited China recently. China also regularly invites youth and young people from various walks of life from Pakistan to visit China with chosen ones to study there. As a response, the Pakistani government also invited Chinese youths to Pakistan.

There are many opportunities of collaboration between the two countries in the realm of higher education. Students of Pakistan form one of the largest groups studying in China.

There is close cooperation between the Universities of China and Pakistan. High level delegations are reciprocally exchange visits. A seminar on Pakistan and China Relations was organized by China Study Centre University of Peshawar in July 2019.

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This is high time to properly utilize the services of various groups of Friends of China in Pakistan. In order to increase awareness for this friendly relationship among the youth of both countries, the vital role played by Pakistan-China Friendship Association, Listeners of Urdu Services from China Radio and the Urdu Department of Peking University must be appreciated for their result oriented efforts and to use these informal channels for further awareness.

A high section of Pakistani population is in the 15-24 age category, and the overall literacy rates are not encouraging. China and Pakistan can form “sister universities” for the promotion of education and research. China can offer some seats in its universities for deserving students and Pakistan can facilitate Chinese students likewise.

There is a lot of potential for trade between Pakistan and China. In the present geo-political and geo-strategic dynamics, Pakistan and China need each other more than ever

China is Pakistan's great economic hope as the countries are upgrading the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The two have witnessed steady growth in mutual investments in recent years. A large number of Chinese companies are presently working in Pakistan in different sectors. Chinese goods are very much in demand in the Pakistani markets. China has become one of the top five import sources of Pakistan. The balance, however, is in favor of China due to lesser exports by Pakistan.

There is a lot of potential for trade between Pakistan and China. In the present geo-political and geo-strategic dynamics, Pakistan and China need each other more than ever. Yet we need to identify areas of priority, where mutual growth can take effect efficiently.

For example, China can practically guide Pakistan in increasing its economic growth rates just as it has doubled its GDP in a record 10 years, while it took the US almost 50 years, to achieve the same growth rate. It can provide technical assistance to Pakistan in policy and planning.

Furthermore, there should be a free and facilitated exchange of business people between the two countries. Pakistani companies should be encouraged to develop joint ventures with multinational Chinese countries, which would help penetrate the Chinese market as well as the global market. These joint ventures will also help in transfer of technology, management skills and improve innovation in products and services.

China has vast and valuable experience in the development of its agricultural sector. Pakistan can achieve monumental strides by following successful Chinese methodologies.

Finally, China’s influence as a growing economic power can wield substantive support to Pakistan in the decisions of the international financial institutions. Such support can go a long way in helping Pakistan fight its way out of its financial distress, and in getting the desired foreign investment.

The writer a Media Consultant, Secretary-General Pakistan-China Friendship Association Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.