Beijing vows to uphold Pakistani sovereignty
• In meeting with PM, Xi acknowledges ‘broad development prospects’ for the two countries
• Both sides agree to upgrade CPEC; Li, Shehbaz commit to protect corridor from ‘detractors, adversaries’
ISLAMABAD: Acknowledging the all-weather strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, President Xi Jinping on Friday renewed his resolve to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity besides extending financial support through investment in different sectors.
“China will, as always, firmly support Pakistan and safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” President Xi told Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, adding that the two countries’ “all-weather strategic partnership... had broad development prospects”, according to a PM Office statement.
The brotherly country also vowed to revive the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with the commencement of its second phase.
The commitments were made at a meeting held at the historic Great Hall of the People on day three of the premier and his delegation’s five-day China visit.
Besides federal ministers and senior officials, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir is also a part of the delegation. This was the first meeting of PM Shehbaz with President Xi since assuming office. The meeting was marked by “traditional warmth reflective of the ironclad friendship and close strategic ties between the two countries”, according to a PM Office statement.
At the meeting, President Xi told the premier that the two neighbours should focus on “promoting the joint construction of CPEC”, and asked PM Shehbaz to step up efforts to ensure the security of Chinese projects in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz and President Xi reaffirmed their consensus on the CPEC high-quality development and timely completion of major ongoing projects. The two leaders also affirmed their consensus on CPEC’s upgradation and advancing the mega project’s development in its second phase.
The premier also briefed President Xi on Pakistan’s policies for economic reforms, sustained growth, industrial development, agricultural modernisation, regional connectivity and the critical role played by CPEC in the country’s development. He asserted Pakistan’s commitment to CPEC’s high-quality development and to fostering synergy between the development strategies of the two countries through close coordination.
He thanked President Xi for the warm and gracious welcome accorded to him and his delegation in China. He recalled the historic visit of President Xi to Pakistan in 2015 when CPEC was formally operationalised, marking a new chapter in their bilateral relationship.
Regional, global issues
The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including Afghanistan, Palestine and South Asia, as well as the human rights situation in India-held Kashmir.
Commending President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Global Development Initiative, the prime minister underscored that as the flagship project of BRI, CPEC had significantly contributed to Pakistan’s socio-economic development. He underlined Pakistan’s commitment and full support for the safety and security of the Chinese nationals, projects and institutions in Pakistan.
He underlined that the government’s agenda for people-centric, socio-economic development resonated with the concept of “shared prosperity” embraced by China.
President Xi also hosted a banquet in honour of the prime minister where another round of discussion on different matters of mutual interests was held.
Meeting with PM Li
Earlier, PM Shehbaz met Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing, where they resolved to protect CPEC “from its detractors and adversaries”, the Foreign Office (FO) said.
During the talks, the two leaders “expressed their firm commitment to protect CPEC from its detractors and adversaries”. They reiterated their unwavering support for each other on core issues and also reaffirmed their continued commitment to CPEC’s high-quality development and the timely completion of all ongoing projects.
About 32 MoUs and agreements were also signed, which were aimed at “deepening cooperation in transport infrastructure, industry, energy, agriculture, media, health, water and socio-economic development” among other areas.
Apart from prominent business figures, the Pakistani delegation includes foreign minister Ishaq Dar, defence minister Khawaja Asif, planning minister Ahsan Iqbal, finance minister Mohammad Aurangzeb, petroleum minister Dr Musaddik Malik, information and broadcasting minister Attaullah Tarar, food security minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, commerce minister Jam Kamal Khan, privatisation minister Abdul Aleem Khan and state minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
Arrives in Xi’an
Later, PM Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi province, on the third leg of his China tour. He was warmly received by Shaanxi’s Deputy Governor Chen Chunjiang, high-ranking Chinese diplomatic officials, and senior Pakistani diplomatic officials.
During his stay in Xi’an, the prime minister will meet the top leadership of the Shaanxi provincial party committee. He will also visit the Yangling Institute, a renowned institution specialising in modern agriculture.
Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2024
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