Gwadar Port a test of Pak-China ties: Mushahid

Date : January 11, 2014

ISLAMABAD   - Senator Mushahid Hussain, Chairman Senate Defence Committee, has elucidated the dynamics of Pakistan-China nexus as being characterized by unprecedented and exemplary goodwill and mutuality.
While speaking at an in-house seminar organized by the Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies (CPGS) here on Friday, Mushahid stated that China has always protected Pakistan's interests on a number of key issues that otherwise witnessed censure while extending assistance and cooperation for economic revival, energy crisis mitigation, and peace and security.  Mushahid, who is also Chairman of Pakistan-China Institute, was of the view that there is a complete consciousness to have friendly relations with China that is seldom observed in other areas in Pakistan.
He further added that Pakistan has not been remiss in reciprocation, citing Pakistan's unflinching support to China in its core areas of interests.
"We respect China's territorial sovereignty, recognize the endeavours of Communist Party of China in transforming lives of the people, perceive the rise of China to be peaceful and a source of strength for the region, and support China in its discordant issues of Taiwan, Tibet and South China Sea."
The Senator emphasized on the emerging global trends that show a power shift from the West to the East with the peaceful rise of China in the Asian century, ushering in new regionalism of cooperation in energy and economy.
He termed the Pak-China economic corridor to be part of that regionalism envisioned by President Xi Jinping that also incorporates Central Asia Economic Belt, BCIM etc. "Pakistan along with the whole South Asia is in an ideal position to exploit immense economic gains from this regionalism, however, speculations on a reversal to cold war tactics post 2014 to contain and encircle China would be a big blow."
The Chairman also highlighted certain issues that have hindered a greater fostering of Pak-China economic cooperation. He decried the security situation that has threatened Chinese workers and proposed an "industrial security force", to be deployed on the Pak-China Economic Corridor to protect such industrial interests.