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Pakistan recognized the
People's Republic of China in January 1950. Both the countries
established diplomatic relations in May 1951.
The 'all weather omni-dimensional' friendship between Pakistan and China
has remained constant and strong in spite of the changes within the two
countries and on the regional and global scene. The relations are seen
as a model of good neighbourly interaction based on the Five Principles
of Peaceful Co-existence.
The Joint Declaration signed by President Pervez Musharraf and President
Hu Jintao in Beijing in November 2003 affirms the all round cooperative
partnership between Pakistan and China.
Similarly, the Friendship Treaty signed by the two countries in April
2005 during the visit to Pakistan by Premier Wen Jiabao is an important
document that covers wide ranging issues. The roots of the relationship
go back to antiquity.
More than 2000 years ago when Gandhara Buddhist Civilization flourished
in Pakistan, famous Chinese scholars including Xuan Zang and Fa Xien
travelled to Taxila, a city located in the north of Islamabad, to study
Buddhist scriptures. These travels are celebrated in the famous Chinese
novel 'Xi You Ji'. One of the important founders of Tibetan Buddhism,
Sambabava, belonged to Swat Valley in northern Pakistan and had traveled
to China and Tibet more than a thousand years ago.
Also, Pakistan and China were linked by the famous Silk Route which at
present has taken the shape of the Karakoram Highway linking China's
Xinjiang with Pakistan's Northern Areas. The multi-faceted relations
between Pakistan and China are built on commonality of interest in
peace, security and development of our region and the world and have
served the cause of enhancing international understanding and amity.
Pakistan played an important role in facilitating in the opening of
China to the United States more than 30 years ago. China has also helped
Pakistan's entry into the ASEAN Regional Forum and Shanghai Cooperation
Organization. The two countries stand by each other in international
fora in particular the United Nations. Pakistan supports China's
position on Taiwan and Tibet. China has a strong interest in the defense
and security of Pakistan.
The two countries have forged a close cooperation in the fight against
terrorism. They have also been carrying out joint military exercises.
Pakistan applauds the great transformation and development of China and
regards China's great economic and political progress an assurance for
peace, stability and progress in Asia and the world.
China has a special role to play in Asia because it is the only country
that neighbours all sub-regions of this vast and ancient continent. The
strength of China's economy provides stability to the economies of South
East Asia and Far East. This was demonstrated during the 1997-98
economic crisis.
Pakistan-China economic cooperation has a long history. Important
projects such as Karakoram Highway, Gwadar Port project, Heavy
Mechanical Complex and Heavy Forge and Foundry in Taxila, Chashma
Nuclear Power Plant and Sports Complex, Islamabad, are outstanding
examples of Chinese assistance to Pakistan. More than fifty Chinese
companies and corporations maintain permanent offices in Pakistan. These
firms have been engaged in a number of large projects in the energy
sector, mining, electronic and tele-communications and infrastructure
projects including up-gradation of the Pakistan Railways.
China has embarked on its policy of development of its western regions.
This development holds great promise for the expansion of economic
relations between the two countries. There is a long tradition of
cultural exchanges and people to people contacts between the two
countries. Pakistan and China also concluded an agreement in March 2003
declaring Pakistan as a destination for Chinese tourists.
The Silk Route
For centuries, it remained the main trading route between the South Asia
and the Central Asia. After the completion of the Karakoram Highway (KKH)
in 1978 along the same route, joining Pakistan with Xinjiang, the
ancient trade link has been revived.
The KKH has provided a great opportunity for international travelers to
explore the natural beauty, unique culture and ancient traditions of
northern Pakistan together with other Silk Road countries like China,
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. |
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