Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal |
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has been progressively progressing. Both sides are cognizant to the economic and political significance of the development and operationalization of the Corridor. Therefore, despite various obstacles, they are determined to complete the corridor’s project ahead of time. Simultaneously, both States’ adversaries have been hatching conspiracies against the CPEC. Indeed, spoiling the CPEC projects is a direct strike on China’s one-belt, one-road initiative.
China’s one-belt, one-road initiative’s headway links with the development of CPEC, which is declared the flagship project of the initiative. Therefore, the Chinese ruling elite has been seriously monitoring Chinese investment in Pakistan and also is determined to assist it in improving its national economy. On 26 May, Chinese Vice-President Wang Qishan arrived in Islamabad to boost the bilateral relationship.
The terrorists were supported by the intelligence agencies of the neighbouring states to destabilize internal security of the country and obstruct the developmental work on the CPEC projects.
He expressed the resolve that Pakistan and China would continue to safeguard each other’s interests. He said, “CPEC is a consensus that transcends political parties, regions and communities across Pakistan. It also enjoys the most extensive and strongest support in China.” Precisely, CPEC binds Pakistan with world’s second-largest economy, which is a good sign for foreign investment in country.
According to the Chinese print and electronic media, when meeting with the Pakistani president, Chinese VP said China and Pakistan are “iron friends.”https://t.co/dqEu0N3glf@zlj517 @GameChangerYR @CathayPak @pcipakchina @cpec_gov_pk pic.twitter.com/MSIf9qFzoh
— CPEC Official (@CPEC_Official) May 30, 2019
The primary objective of the visiting dignitary was to promote bilateral economic cooperation and also cement a strategic partnership between China and Pakistan. Prime Minister Khan and VP Wang inaugurated several projects, including 660KV transmission line project from Matiari to Lahore; Rashakai Special Economic Zone Project, Huawei Technical Support Centre and Confucius Institute at the University of Punjab.
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Besides, several agreements were signed to start new projects such as the agreement on agricultural cooperation; the memorandum on the requirements of foot and mouth disease-free zone; the letter of exchange of disaster relief goods; China-Pakistan economic agreement; and the agreement between the China Machinery Engineering Corporation and the Balochistan government and Lasbela University on modern agriculture comprehensive development in Lasbela.
The signing of new projects proves that China is satisfied with its investment in Pakistan and both states bilateral relationship will not be derailed with transformation in global politics, mainly due to China and United States tension.
During the three days visit, VP Wang visited Lahore and invited the Punjab government to enter into economic cooperation with big provinces of China. Establishing cooperation between/among the provinces is an optimistic initiative for advancing Punjab’s industrial and agriculture sectors. For instance, the yield of the crops in Punjab is low by China’s standard.
The second-time elected Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi frequently expressed his earnest desire to isolate Pakistan diplomatically.
Admittedly, this cooperation improves agricultural production in the province and also advance the industrial sector technologically. Currently, Pakistan is confronting internal and external security challenges. Its armed forces heroically eliminated the transnational terrorist sanctuaries located on its territory. Despite the daring law enforcement agencies measures, recently, a few terrorist incidents took place in Balochistan.
The terrorists were supported by the intelligence agencies of the neighboring states to destabilize internal security of the country and obstruct the developmental work on the CPEC projects. A few analysts observed that the resurgence of terrorist activities in Balochistan province could discourage Chinese investors, but the announcement of the new projects in the province falsify such claims
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The regional rivals of Pakistan desire to spoil the Chinese investment in Pakistan to obstruct the country’s economic development and also ruin China’s OBI initiative. Chinese leadership understands the nefarious designs of these states. Therefore, without naming them, VP Wang categorically stated: “No matter how the international landscape changes, China and Pakistan will always stay iron brothers that trust and support each other.”
His statement overruled the negative propaganda, especially in social media, that Chinese are unhappy and thereby distancing from Khan government’s policies. The second-time elected Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi frequently expressed his earnest desire to isolate Pakistan diplomatically.
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India has openly lobbied in FATF against Pakistan. In the transforming complex global politics, China’s support in the forum is very critical. To conclude, VP Wang visit will be having lasting constructive impact on China-Pakistan economic, diplomatic, and political relationship.
Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal is Associate Professor, School of Politics and International Relations, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. He is also an advisor on Non-Proliferation to SASSI, London and a course coordinator at Foreign Services Academy for the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Email: jaspal_99@hotmail.com. This article was first published in Pakistan Observer and it has been republished with the author’s permission. The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Global Village Space’s editorial policy.