By Muqeet Tahir Malik
Have you ever been perturbed by how the media portrays of Pakistan and China’s friendship? Did you ever hear of the difficulties of the countless Chinese who have entered Pakistan? Are you bewildered over growing popularity of Chinese cuisine in Pakistan? We have to evaluate the pros and the cons.
Pak -China
The song that rallies as Chinese dignitaries arrive in Pakistan is, “Our friendship is greater than the heights of Himalayan Ranges.” Now, this is what one calls media biased reporting or false media hype without considering the facts on ground. China is essentially tilted towards Pakistan to conceive certain policies like The Great Game. Not only would this help establish a strong relationship between the land locked countries, it would also allow trade from the Caspian Sea and Arabian Sea – reducing the freight charges that incur from trade through Russia. In recent events, we landed our aircraft of Pakistan International Airlines at Beijing. People are oblivious to the fact that Pakistan was the first country to recognize China in the global community, I will further explain the reasons of this treasured friendship and its potential outcome.
Firstly, every relationship has a certain level of reciprocation, mainly to provide some one benefit is not free of cost. In Foreign policy studies, the basis of any agreement is evolved on the basis of mutual consent, and reciprocity. The imperative of our relations is that it does not constitute of prejudice, hatred, or multi-faceted paradox approach. Keeping this in mind, now, China has taken a keen interest in CPEC Gwadar port as it has to diversify the market of goods. Moreover, they have always been a vibrant supporter of sharing in power, much like the American hegemonic policy of Utilitarian authority. While China may have several partners, Pakistan renders its relationship to a fine ground of trusteeship, and strategic placement in Asia. Whereas the USA is trying to incorporate itself through TAPI pipeline and has developed industrial estates. Sincerity of China corroborated itself in the Indo Pak wars of 1965, and 1971 following an arms embargo to eschew Pakistan from coming with India at Par. In addition to this, China sanctioned an aid as the economy spiraled in the aftermath of nuclear tests. USA once again popped into the issue thereby, constricting our active market efficacy by WTO legislations.
Secondly, one aspect of our ties is still yet to open up, and that is the presence of Buddhism in a limited area of North West Pakistan like Kalash in Chitral. This may also be because of the burgeoning the relationship as Buddhist monks are to be fostered in that region in view of China. Similarly, Pakistanis should also resolve certain border demarcation dilemmas with China as our citizens who have relatives on other side shall be allowed to live there. Moreover, for this steps could be taken up to punish criminals and terrorists in Chitral who are trying to force conversions to Islam of the Kalashi tribe. It is a heritage for Pakistan, a symbol of a diverse culture for Pakistan
Strengthening bonds
Thirdly, the a balance in the consanguinity is necessary in order to assure that other envious nations do not destabilize the joint ventures in field of transport, hydraulics, education, media, and defense – for eg: like a production of a new Aircraft. Our government in consultation with the cultural committee of China shall propose a joint language exchange program between both countries. Pakistanis should learn Mandarin while Chinese acquire Urdu language to promote our national participation with their people. Furthermore, multilateralism can be brought into relationship through incorporating Chinese employees in our system for internship and vice a versa. This will enable us to be more agile, allowing the ever green technological advancements in industries. Moreover, Pakistan should impede any agreements that might be peculiarly targeting Chinese economy like the TAPI Pipeline, as the USA does not desire to witness a strategic all weather relationship with China. Pakistan can even act as a mediator for Chinese contentions with Western countries like in 1970 successfully befriended United States. Furthermore, our diplomatic missions in countries abroad need to be informed that to arrange seminars, conferences and meetings showcasing the CPEC to summon more investments. Media Projection of corridor is essential, so that foreign investors alert themselves considering Pakistan a post 2025 Industrial hub. Dubai is increasingly growing as an economic transit state, but long before it developed, people were captivated into conceiving businesses in the island. Educating this global village about Baluchistan’s development will also mollify those who consider it as a discriminated province.
All in all, Pakistan and China both are dependent upon one another to avert the US growing influence, global overreach and Indian containment on the region. Terrorism in China through East Turkmenistan movement and in Pakistan demand joint operation. Therefore, the Chinese-Pakistan economic corridor shall be completed without any political hesitation to achieve economic supremacy in South Asia. It is vital to secure the nuclear stability of this vulnerable geopolitical region simmering into a battle ground for world way.
“No foreign policy – no matter how ingenious – has any chance of success if it is born in the minds of a few and carried in the hearts of none.” Thus, every step in determination of relations with China should be in accordance with aspirations of the people of both countries way.
Muqeet Tahir Malik, currently pursuing a degree in cvil engineering from Military college of Engineering ,Risalpur, NUST. His passion is to write well, and groom himself as a creative person who will be an asset for his country (if he goes into civil services) or becomes a part of Pakistan’s Finest. He tweets @muqeetmalik1996.