Abstract
Diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan are considered to be modelrelationships between the two states. In May 1951, when they established their diplomaticrelations both the countries had noting much common in history, culture and socio- political systems. They adhered to different ideologies and later joined opposite security blocs created by the Cold War. However, instead of these contradictions, the twocountries, over the last fifty-five years, have maintained good neighborly relations whichwithstood the vicissitudes of domestic, regional and international environment.These relations revolve around mutual interests, non-interferences in each other’sinternal affairs, respect for each other’s view points, and commitments for closer cooperation for their long term interests. In addition to this, geographical proximity,Indian factor, and identical views on major regional and global issues further strengthened their ties.The two countries have supported each other in many significant ways. China, timeand again, proved its commitment of friendship with Pakistan and came to its help duringcrisis hours. China’s support to Pakistan against India in particular was highly regarded by policy makers in Pakistan. A general perception of China as true and trusted friend of Pakistan got massive popularity among the people of Pakistan and Beijing acquiredforemost priority in Islamabad’s foreign policy.Pakistan completed a number of mega projects with Chinese help. These projects played a major role in Pakistan’s economic development and defence sector. CurrentlyChina has been assisting Pakistan in Gwadar seaport, Ssandik Project, building six newnuclear power plants; joint defence ventures (JF Thunder aircraft, naval ships, tanks etc.)which indicates China’s long term interests in Pakistan.Pakistan also helped China in many befitting ways. From the very beginning,Pakistan adopted a One China Policy and strictly adhered to it. It played an important rolein ensuring China’s membership in the UN and acted as a genuine broker in Sino-USrapprochement. During the height of Cold War, Pakistan helped to break China’s isolationand worked as a bridge between China and the Muslim World.Fifty-five years relations are divided into three periods: Mao periods, Deng Periodand post-Deng Period. Each period is distinct from other. During the Mao period (fromthe early 1950s to late 1970s) Sino-Pakistan ties touched to new heights. Indian factor— India as a common enemy of both China and Pakistan—dominated in their relations.China explicitly supported Pakistan on Kashmir issue and provided substantial militaryassistance to Pakistan. China rendered unprecedented support to Pakistan during theIndo-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971.In the late 1970s a number of factors affected the nature and dynamics of Sino-Pakistan relations. Change of leadership in China proved the major one. The post-Maoleadership in China under Deng Xiaoping, adopted a pragmatic approach and placedeconomic development as China’s top priority. They abandoned the revolutionary zeal of Mao, opened up China’s economy to the outside world, and focused their attention onnormalizing relations with other countries, particularly around China’s periphery. Againstthis backdrop, Sino-Pakistan relations started witnessing profound changes. The mostsalient are as follows:2
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