Evergreen friendship: Beijing says Pakistan’s challenges are China’s

ISLAMABAD: China’s political and military leadership on Tuesday reassured support for ensuring Pakistan’s sovereignty, integrity, national security and development, noting that “challenges to Pakistan are challenges to China”.

The assurance came as army chief General Raheel Sharif held wide-ranging talks with the Chinese political and military leadership, including Prime Minister Li Keqiang, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission General Fang and Foreign Minister.

The military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement that issues, including regional security as well as common challenges facing the two countries, were discussed.

The Chinese leadership reaffirmed that the Pakistan-China friendship was “evergreen, deep-rooted and strategic”. The two sides vowed to work closely to implement the multibillion-dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and promote peace.

“Chinese political and military leadership reassured China will support Pakistan in ensuring Pakistan’s sovereignty, integrity, national security and development,” the ISPR said. Both sides also agreed on the importance of peace and stability in South Asia.

The Chinese leadership appreciated Pakistan Army’s accomplishment in their indiscriminate fight against terrorism and eliminating hideouts noting that “challenges to Pakistan are challenges to China”.

They also appreciated the army's role in ensuring CPEC’s security. “Faster development of CPEC will realise the dream of prosperity across the region,” the ISPR further said.

Later, ISPR Director General Lt Gen Asim Bajwa tweeted from his verified account that the tour was very intense, highly productive and focused. “Strategic relationship manifested in talks and interactions”.

General Raheel's visit comes at a time when Pakistan is increasingly concerned over Indian plans to acquire modern missile technology.

India over the past few weeks has conducted a series of missile tests including from sea based platforms and supersonic interceptors that, according to Pakistan, will disturb the strategic stability in South Asia.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 18th, 2016.