Pakistan-China Bilateral Relations

Pakistan was the first Islamic country to recognise People's Republic of China on 4 January 1950. Diplomatic relations were established between the two on 21 May 1951.The relations between the two countries grew steadily in the early years and since early 1960s the two neighbours have forged an abiding close friendship. This friendship has remained constant and strong in spite of the changes within the two countries and on the regional and global scene.

The 'omnidirectional bilateral friendly cooperation' between Pakistan and China, which is described as 'all weather and evergreen' is seen as a model of good neighbourly relations based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence.

The Joint Declaration signed by President Pervez Musharraf and President Hu Jintao in November 2003 affirmed the all round cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China and recognized the bilateral friendly relations as an indispensable factor for peace and stability in Asia. Similarly, the Friendship Treaty signed between the two countries in April 2005 during the visit to Islamabad by Premier Wen Jiabao, has further solidified the Pakistan-China relations in all fields of importance.

The roots of this "all weather and ever green" Pakistan-China friendship go back to antiquity. More than 2000 years ago when Gandhara Buddhist Civilization flourished in Pakistan, famous Chinese scholars including Xuan Zang and Fa Xien travelled to Taxila, a city located in the north of Islamabad, to study Buddhist sculptures. These travels are celebrated in the famous Chinese novel 'Xi You Ji'. One of the important founders of Tibetan Buddhism, Sambabava, belonged to Swat Valley in northern Pakistan and had traveled to China and Tibet more than a thousand years ago. Also Pakistan and China were linked by the famous Silk Route which at present has taken the shape of the Karakoram Highway linking China's Xinjiang with Pakistan's Northern Areas.

The multi-faceted relations between Pakistan and China are built on commonality of interests in peace, security and development of our region and the world and have served the cause of enhancing international understanding and amity. To cite an example, Pakistan has played a role in facilitating in the opening of China to the United States more than 30 years ago. China has also helped Pakistan's entry into the ASEAN Regional Forum and has supported Pakistan's interest in building its relations with Asia Pacific multilateral organizations.

The two countries also stand by each other in international fora in particular the United Nations. Pakistan fully supports China's position on Taiwan, Tibet and human rights issues in international fora. The two countries have forged close cooperation in the fight against terrorism. They have carried out joint exercises in the bordering areas to enhance counter-terrorism capabilities. Like China, Pakistan regards terrorism as a danger to modern societies and is part of international coalition against terrorism.

Pakistan applauds the great transformation and development of China and regards China's great economic and political progress an assurance for peace, stability and progress in Asia and the world. China has a special role to play in Asia because it is the only country that neighbours all sub-regions of this vast and ancient continent.

The strength of China's economy provides stability to the economies of South East Asia and Far East. This was demonstrated during the 1997-98 economic crisis. Now China has embarked on its policy of development of its western regions.This development holds great promise for the expansion of economic relations with Pakistan that borders China on the west.

Pakistan-China trade and economic relations have a great scope for expansion. So far bilateral trade does not correspond to the quality of the political relations between the two countries. The two way trade is less than US$4 billion, although it is registering steady increase.

More than 50 Chinese companies and corporations maintain permanent offices in Pakistan which testifies to their positive experience in Pakistan. These companies have been engaged in a number of large projects in the energy sector, mining, electronic and tele-communications and infrastructure projects including up-gradation of the Pakistan Railways.

Pakistan-China economic cooperation has a long history. Important projects such as Karakoram Highway, Gwadar Port project, Heavy Mechanical Complex and Heavy Forge and Foundry in Taxila, Chashma nuclear power plant and Sports Complex, Islamabad, are outstanding examples of Chinese economic cooperation and assistance to Pakistan. During President Musharraf''s visit to China in November 2003, the Chinese government decided to extend preferential buyers credit of US$ 500 million which is being spent on projects in Pakistan.

There is a long tradition of cultural exchanges and people to people contacts between the two countries. Pakistan and China have also concluded an agreement in March 2003 declaring Pakistan as a destination for Chinese tourists.