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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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President Pervez Musharraf with President Hu Jintao, Beijing. |
