CHINA has proved to be the most reliable strategic partner of Pakistan, which has helped us in our defence capacity building, apart from assisting us in achieving economic self-sustenance and cooperation in transfer of technology. It has always helped us in our times of need, respected our sovereignty and appreciated our limitations and weaknesses. We both share common goals and strategic interests, which makes us natural allies. Our conventional defence capability is an outcome of our joint ventures.

Despite some instances of cause for concern, when certain foreign-funded remnants of Zia’s misadventure in Afghanistan used our territory for subversive activities against our friendly neighbour, it took up this irritant diplomatically, without ever going public.

China has helped us in fighting the war against terrorism. If we choose to give a priority to our own national security, China has always been more considerate and helpful than any of our other allies.

The friendship between the people of China and Pakistan started from the days of Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai and has grown stronger every year, irrespective of who is in power in both countries. China has always appreciated our role during the cold war when we served as a bridge between them and the rest of the world.

Malik Tariq Ali
Lahore

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2015

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