To say that relations between Pakistan and China are deep-rooted, would be an understatement. They are vibrant, ever-growing and perhaps indescribable by any word in the diplomatic parlance. Therefore the correct expression would be to term them as 'Higher than the Himalayas'. This friendship is underpinned by mutual trust and confidence. Close identity of views and mutuality of interests remain the hallmark of bilateral ties.
China over the years has supported the Kashmir cause and extended liberal economic and military assistance to Pakistan. When Pakistan was abandoned by its ally US during the 1965 war with India, China was there to help Pakistan as it did in each and every subsequent crisis. An assistance of well over US $42 million for the recent flood victims adequately reflects the strength of friendly sentiments. In this time of crisis China is the only country which has expressed solidarity with Pakistan, supported its counter-terrorism strategy, called upon the international community to support her and reiterated respect for its national sovereignty at all times. Pakistan has also been supporting China on all issues of importance to the latter, especially those related to the question of China's sovereignty over Hong Kong, Taiwan, Tibet and other sensitive matters such as human rights. The Chinese leaders do appreciate Pakistan's steadfast and unqualified support on issues of concern to her.
China has also played a significant role in the economic progress of Pakistan. The construction of the KKH Highway, the Heavy Mechanical Complex at Taxila and the Chashma Nuclear Plant are monuments of the ever-spiking relationship. In the backdrop of the US-India deal for transfer of civilian nuclear technology which Pakistan regards a discriminatory act, China again exhibited friendship between the two countries by agreeing to set up two nuclear units at Chashma, notwithstanding US concerns, for which an agreement was signed on June 8, 2010 during President Zardari's visit to China.
Although the curve of relations between the two countries has always been moving upwards irrespective of who was in power in Pakistan, yet it is a reality that it has soared to dizzying heights during the present regime. President Zardari has been to China five times and is poised to embark on another visit shortly. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani visited China in the recent past. Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao visited Pakistan last December accompanied by a large delegation of Chinese businessmen and investors. Our Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has just concluded a two-day visit to Beijing. These interactions have produced very positive results in the domain of expansion of economic co-operation between the two also strengthening the process of consultation regarding security issues of the region and efforts to jointly quell terrorism.
Currently China is working on a plan for the up-gradation of KKH at an approximate cost of $500 million and in building 165 Km Jaglot-Skardu and 135 KM Thakot-Sazin roads in Gilgit-Baltistan at a cost of Rs 45 billion. China would pay 85% of the cost while Pakistan will contribute 15%. A rail link between the two countries is also envisaged to be built. Besides these monumental projects, China is also helping Pakistan to tide over the energy crisis. It is working on 17 mega projects in the energy sector in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. A very significant project in hand is the upraising of the Mangla Dam reservoir by sixty feet. As part of the resettlement of the dam-affected people, the Chinese firm, International Water and Electric Corporation (CIW&EC) is also working on the construction of a bridge over Jhelum river in the same area. Another very vital project is the Neelum-Jhelum Hydroelectric Power Project, which aims at the diversion of the water of the Neelum river through a tunnel into the Jhelum river at a cost of US $12.6 billion. The Chinese are also entrusted with the responsibility to commission Kohala Power Project at a cost of US $2.155 billion with a capacity to generate 1050 MW of electricity. China's Three Gorges Project Corporation is constructing Diamir-Bhasha Dam on the Indus River with a total investment of US $12.6 billion.
The participation of China in exploiting copper reserves at Sandak and the development of Gwadar Port in Balochistan, though not liked by some regional and international powers, are also undertakings of immense economic benefit to the people of the province and the overall development of Pakistan.
Trade between the two countries has also been expanding. China is the fifth largest source for Pakistani imports. Bilateral trade between the two countries touched US $7 billion mark in 2008. Under a five-year programme, launched in 2006, this volume is proposed to be enhanced to $15 billion by 2012. In the past few years, the Chinese have made an investment of US $1.3 billion in Pakistan. A number of Chinese companies are working in oil and gas, IT, Telecom, Engineering, power generation and mining sectors.
The new dimension imparted to bilateral relations between the two countries by the present government reflects a marked departure from our perennial propensity to look up to the West, particularly the US for our security and economic progress. The enhanced economic, political and strategic co-operation between China and Pakistan will contribute immensely to warding off the lurking dangers and consolidating the gains of the efforts made for changing the economic situation of the people of both the countries. This renewed and vigorous engagement between the two countries is an encouraging development as it would greatly benefit Pakistan by re-invigorating commercial and industrial activities and creating new jobs. This might also restore the confidence of the international community in Pakistan as a safe place to invest.