Pakistan values its friendship with China: Gen Bajwa

Dawn.com Published March 17, 2017

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi — DG ISPR's Twitter

Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Chinese Foreign Office in Beijing on Friday.

According to Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, the director general of the military's media wing, Yi expressed an understanding of the challenges faced by Pakistan, its geo-political relevance, and its contributions towards regional peace and stability.

The foreign minister said China appreciates Pakistan's efforts to maintain a healthy relationship with its neighbouring countries, including India and Afghanistan.

Yi further appreciated Pakistan's efforts for the realisation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as part of the One Belt One Road project.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa's meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Chinese Foreign Office — DG ISPR's Twitter

During the meeting, Gen Bajwa said Pakistan values its friendship with China and hopes to carry the relationship forward with same zeal.

The Army chief also thanked the minister and China on their acknowledgments and diplomatic support to Pakistan on core issues.

Gen Bajwa had arrived in China on a three-day official visit on Thursday. On the first day of the visit, he had met the senior Chinese political and military leadership and discussed with them matters related to regional security, economy, defence cooperation and mutual interest.

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Akram

Mar 17, 2017 02:48pm

Many are jealous of our friendship with China. Let them be jealous.

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SRINI

Mar 17, 2017 02:57pm

@Akram Nobody is jealous boss, every country makes friendship with other country not for fun, definitely for some benefit.

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Thought provoking

Mar 17, 2017 03:05pm

The China always appreciates Pakistan's efforts to maintain a healthy relationship and regional cooperation with its neighboring countries, including India and Afghanistan for regional stability and peace in this region , we should really do proud on china and Pakistan ever lasting Friendship. The both countries are very strong strategic partner in this region and have good understanding on the world Foreign policies and Strategic issues ..

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Maxx

Mar 17, 2017 03:21pm

@SRINI But Pak-China friendship is unlike any other friendship between two countries in the word, one of its kind, do you have any precedent.

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Amin U Ansari

Mar 17, 2017 03:23pm

@SRINI I agree with Srini ji.

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mohsin

Mar 17, 2017 03:31pm

Also, please tell the Chinese to ease visa rules for Pakiatanis. It's close to impossible to travel to China on tourist visa.

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Realistic

Mar 17, 2017 03:58pm

Why army is discussing economic and other civilian affairs with chinese ministers.

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Amra

Mar 17, 2017 04:34pm

Why China can't develop friendship with other neighbors, Japan, South Korea,Philippines,Vietnam, Myanmar,Taiwan, Nepal and India, besides Pakistan.

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Murlidhar Nair

Mar 17, 2017 04:47pm

Will pray this friendship turns out to be real friendship and helps Pakistan grow. As we know how Chinese are considered by the whole world,

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M.Saeed

Mar 17, 2017 04:45pm

We are on the crossroad to chose either the US or China. It should be remembered that, right from the birth of Pakistan, the US is hell-bent on ruining Pakistan. That is why they stopped Liaquat Ali Khan from going to the USSR. Their interest in Pakistan was only in winning their Cold War and as usual, dumping us as tissue paper after that.

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M.Saeed

Mar 17, 2017 04:47pm

@Akram: Rightly said. Jealousy burns the heart of jealous and the opposing winds make the kite fly higher.

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M.Saeed

Mar 17, 2017 04:50pm

@Amra: They are all look alikes and feel threatened by the misunderstandings that always develop.

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Saif zulfiqar

Mar 17, 2017 04:53pm

@Akram, Not many but only India. China a good friend since 1947 and next door.

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stranger

Mar 17, 2017 04:55pm

@M.Saeed I do not agree with you. I think USA has played a key role in stabilizing Pakistan. Yes, there are differences between the two countries because of various practical reasons. Despite the differences, it is very important for Pakistan to not lose USA as an ally. It is both China and USA for us in their own roles for the future.

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Saif zulfiqar

Mar 17, 2017 05:01pm

@Murlidhar Nair, Your brain is rusted. Pakistan & China are good friends since 1947.

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MOHAMMAD IQBAL

Mar 17, 2017 05:42pm

@Amra . They don't need China's friendship. They are self built, strong enough to face any scenario. Pakistan very fragile. A drone can damage your security.Anybody can come to your bedroom and take anybody they like as was done in Abbottabad which is not possible in the countries, list of which was given by you.

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sachin

Mar 17, 2017 08:04pm

Measure of Real frienship between the two nations is how easily people travel to visit each other. If China has special previledges for Pakistanis to visit China then only one can say China considers pakistan a true friend. If not then its open for guess.

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M Y

Mar 17, 2017 08:17pm

@Amra : Get knowledge to international level, you will find your answer.

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Dr. rafiq khan

Mar 17, 2017 08:19pm

I am very happy and grateful for China's friendship. I would like to see Pakistan get into a position where it can reciprocate China's gestures. For that Pakistan would need to first develop into a secure, stable, and robust economy.

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Mar 17, 2017 08:46pm

Yes, the COAS is 100 percent right. There is no doubt in the fact that since day one, the great country of the People's Republic of China and the amazing Chinese people are the best friends and the most reliable allies of the land and people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. This time tested, all weather, equitable, unshakable & highly valuable friendship based on the principle of mutual respect and understanding has been and will remain "solid as a rock." Nevertheless, it is being begrudged by and is envied of by many global nations including the "movers and shakers" in New Delhi. However, they must understand that any direct or indirect attempt by them to negatively influence, derail or dislodge it as they did in case of Bangladesh, will prove to be an attempt in futile. For sure, China and Pakistan will remain best friends for ever. Long live the true, sincere & dedicated Pak-China friendship & may God bless the land & people of both the countries. Aameen, Tsum Aameen.

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Baloch

Mar 17, 2017 08:57pm

China is the only country in the world whom we can rely and trust.West can never become our friend.China is our all weather friend.

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Atif aslam

Mar 17, 2017 09:15pm

In international diplomacy there is no permanent friendship or enmity.....only permanent interests. As far as china is concerned, they are only interested in business aspects throughout the world. Lets see if CPEC really comes out to be a game changer or anything else. Remember, our stock exchange (PSX) has been partially taken over (control handed over) and industrial lands n mines are mortgaged!!! Long live the friendship....

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syed Zaidi

Mar 17, 2017 10:04pm

@sachin, It may be true in a normal situation but political and security environment has changed quite a bit. outsiders have abused our welcoming nature and thus effected our way of life. while we work on this difficult task, China and any other country for that matter has every right to be cautious. you will see a different attitude towards Pakistani nationals in a near future. we believe in it because we believe in ourselves! we also wish you all the best.

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vikas

Mar 17, 2017 10:09pm

@Dr. rafiq khan Please wait till ay least two more centuries. What you want certainly doesn't happen earlier to that

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azEEm Khan - UP Inida

Mar 18, 2017 09:32am

Hope China and Pakistan can be friend with India someday but I feel it will not happen under BJP's watch. India should accept Pakistan offer to join CPEC.

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SAM

Mar 18, 2017 09:44am

CPEC will rule the world. Pakistan will become the Asian Tiger soon. Pakistan China friendship is the kind of friendship every country envy.

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D.K. PAMNANI

Mar 18, 2017 10:59am

Except China, no other country want to invest in Pakistan. Why? Can any one reply from Pakistan?

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