PEKING: President Ayub Khan declared here today [March 5] that apart from their ties of neighbourhood and history Pakistan and China were united “by a common determination to eradicate the last vestiges of imperialism and colonialism in all their forms”. Making an important policy statement while addressing a most impressive mass rally held by the people of Peking in his honour this afternoon, the President said: “Friendship with China is for us a long-term policy and not a matter of expediency.” The President, who was replying to an address of welcome presented by the Mayor of Peking, Peng Chen, said that while Pakistan and China could derive satisfaction from their growing relations, “there are certain international problems and issues that are a source of concern to both our countries”.

“Areas of dangerous tension remain in Africa and Asia and particularly in Indo-China.” He pointed out and stressed that “we believe that the conflict in Viet-Nam should not be permitted to escalate and that it can be settled peacefully through negotiations in accordance with the principles of justice and international law”. Chairman Liu Shao-chi, Premier Chou En-lai, Foreign Minister Chen Yi and other senior Chinese leaders were among those present at the rally. The speeches were followed by a spectacular performance of dance and music staged by over 3,000 artistes drawn from various regions of China. The ten thousand people who participated in the rally held in the People’s Congress Hall repeatedly cheered the President as he spoke of the historical ties and recent cooperation between Pakistan and China.

Published in Dawn, March 6th, 2015

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