Enduring Pak-China Relations Essay

During Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilanis visit to China, there gull been speculations that he under in like mannerk this emergency trip in the aftermath of Osama bin Ladens killing in Abbottabad by US forces. Nothing could be further from the truth. During the visit, the Chinese leadership assured Pakistan of their right support in its hour of direct. Prime Minister Wen Jiabao informed Pakistan that China had urged the US to respect Pakistans sovereignty. In addition to agreements on banking, technical and economic cooperation, China agreed to expedite the delivery of 50 J-17F Thunder fighter jets to Pakistan.This has provoked some American Congressmen to interpret it as Pakistans sway on China to countervail pressure from Washington. Contrary to speculations, this visit was not prompted by the Abbottabad incident. It was planned much before and was part of the ongoing Pak-China strategic relations. Also, 2011 attach the 60th anniversary of the Pak-China relationship and has b een designated as the year of friendship between the two countries, which was reflected in the celebrations and extraordinarily fightm welcome extended to Pakistans prime(a) minister in China. Therefore, to suggest that the visit was organised on the spur of the moment is misleading.Pakistan and China have a longstanding relationship, especially since 1962, when China and India went to war over a disputed border. The Chinese have been steadfast friends and have supported Pakistan through thick and thin. Chinas touch lies in a stable and prosperous Pakistan. They have been very generous in sharing their development and progress in the economic and technical fields and have aid Pakistan in every possible manner. Therefore, the visit of Prime Minister Gilani should not be considered as reactive.Pakistan is a sovereign country (despite challenges) and has the right to choose its friends and research options for positive relationships other than the US. Pakistan is not bound to hav e a one-track relationship with the solid ground through the US. The US raid in Abbottabad created a perception that Pakistans air force is weak and compromised, prompting India to remark that it could carry out similar attacks on jihadi outfits in Pakistan. Like a true friend, the Chinese have agreed to speed up the production and delivery of 50 JF-17 Thunder aircraft for Pakistan. This has not only sent a clear signal to the world that China stands by Pakistan but will actually strengthen our air defense against any such misadventure. Gwadar portChina has a keen interest that Pakistans vision to become a trade and energy corridor, which links Central Asia, Russia and China with the warm waters of the Arabian Sea should become a reality. If the Gwadar Port develops and is linked with rail and road infrastructure, Chinas interests will also be served. Compared to shipping from the eastern seaports, trade through Pakistan will hugely ease trade for China. China wants to develop its relatively undeveloped interior western regions. The best way to achieve this is to provide an outlet for the region through Gwadar. The Chinese have agreed to take over the operation of Gwadar Port after the contract with the Singapore Port Authority expires in anticipation of this daydream becoming a reality. China has stakes in a developed and prosperous Pakistan and is ready to help it grow. Is Pakistan ready to avail this opportunity and develop the substance to take advantage of Chinese generosity?SECOND EDITORIAL Attack on US Consulate staff Another day, another attack. An improvised explosive device (IED) struck two bulletproof Land Cruisers of the US Consulate staff in Peshawar on Friday, injuring 11 people and killing one passerby. Two consulate personnel suffered modest injuries in this first attack on US diplomats after the operation that killed Osama bin Laden. This comes in a sequence of similar attacks that have been taking purport throughout the country since a l Qaedas leader was killed, including against Saudi personnel in their Karachi consulate. It is feared that this is just the beginning as the extremists might be get warmed up to fulfil their pledge of revenge against Pakistan, the US and other countries that had a part to play in bin Ladens death. early(a) NATO countries too are on the terrorists hit list. The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the Peshawar attack and have declared it retribution for bin Ladens death at the hands of US Navy SEALs.When such a red alert situation exists in the country, it is shameful that adequate security measures are still wanting to prevent such attacks from taking place. Just as Osama was a high value target for the US, likewise, US, European, Saudi and even Pakistani citizens are high-value targets for the militants. To have contradictory and our own citizens under threat on our shores and to be woefully unequipped to protect them is pathetic, to say the least. It is almost as if the se curity forces in Pakistan are too de-motivated in the face of a murky, bloodthirsty enemy.The area where this latest attack took place, University Town, is considered to be one of the more posh residential locations in Peshawar. It is a conjunction where foreigners usually live. For a militant onslaught to take place there shows that even the most well-off of places is unsafe, what to say of the rest of the country. The security and law enforcement agencies have to get their act together. Our intelligence establishment cannot afford to fall asleep (again?) in the wake of the bin Laden episode and our police and security forces need better methods of detection and prevention. Arrangements must be made to better police the streets and allow citizens, whether international or local, to move about without incurring the risk of universe blown to bits. * Home Editorial