Year 2006 marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The bi-lateral relationship between the two countries has endured as a relatively uninterrupted, trust-bound and “All weather relationship”. This friendship has survived numerous geo-strategic changes including improving Sino-Indian relations from 1989 onwards, the collapse of the Soviet Union, developments post 9/11 especially with Pakistan as a frontline state in the war against terror. Furthermore, with developments over Iran and North Korea, the Indo-US nuclear deal and Pakistan’s failure to reach a similar agreement with Washington, it becomes important to examine Pak-Chin@ relations, especially while new agreements are signed, and high level visits exchanged. Recent Visit of Chinese President Hou-Jin-Taou is another bright landmark in Pak-China relationship.

A SHORT HISTORY

Pakistan recognized the People’s Republic of China in 1950, following which the two nations established formal diplomatic relations. Bilateral relations were further emphasized at the Bandung Conference in 1955, where talks between the two heads of state played an important role in promoting understanding, and developing friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries. In 1961, Pakistan furthered relations when it voted for a bill concerning the restoration of China’s legitimate rights in the UN. China supported Pakistan in its two wars against India, in 1965 and 1971, with both military and economic assistance. The military alliance led further to the creation of a Joint Committee for Economy, Trade and Technology in 1982, and China soon began, in the late 1980s, discussing the possible sales of M11missiles and related technology to Pakistan.

In 1996, Chinese President H.E Jiang Zemin paid a state visit to Pakistan during which the two countries decided to establish a comprehensive friendship. Relations since then have continued on the same steady path. In 2005, China and Pakistan signed a landmark Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation, whereby they committed that “Neither party will join any alliance or bloc which infringes upon the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity” of either nation, while simultaneously positing that both parties would not conclude treaties of this nature with any 3rd party

Now I would like to throw some light on Recent Developments in Pak-China Relationship. For the time I just discuss Strategic relationship but later I would also highlight mutual relationship of Pak-China on economic and Energy grounds.

A. Nuclear Co-operation

During President Musharraf’s February 2006 visit, China signed an agreement, to “build co-operation in the peaceful application of nuclear power”, notwithstanding Pakistan’s past record and international suspicion of Pakistan’s nuclear intentions. Pakistan, however, asserts that, having recorded one of the highest levels of economic growth in Asia last year, it will need an eight fold increase in its power requirements.

B. Defense Co-operation

Pakistan’s relationship with China has been the anchor of its defense and foreign policy over the last 40 years. China has proven to be a reliable supplier of conventional military equipment for Pakistan, selling F-7 fighters, a version of the T- 96 main battle tank, and subsidizing the future construction of four frigates for the Pakistan navy. Further to President Musharraf’s visit, China committed to deliver the first small batch of JF-17 (Thunder) Aircrafts to Pakistan in 2007. These aircrafts completed their first test flight during the Pakistan Air Force Chief’s visit to China in May 2006. China and Pakistan also promised to expand military co-operation and defence production with regard to aircrafts, fighter bombers, tanks, and heavy artillery. During President Musharraf’s February 2006 visit, as well as the subsequent visit by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief to China in May, the probable sale of F- 10s was also discussed. It has been opined that this enhanced military cooperation could herald a shift in the centre of gravity from Europe to Asia, with China at the forefront followed by Pakistan.

On 23 May 2006 Pakistan clinched a $600 million defence deal with China, which includes the construction of four F-22P frigates for the Pakistani Navy, the upgrading of the Karachi dockyard and the transfer of technology for the indigenous production of a modern surface fleet. Under the deal, three frigates will be built in Shanghai and the fourth one at the Karachi dockyard. Admiral Tahir said the first frigate would be delivered to Pakistan in 2008 and the other three by 2013, along with transfer of technology.