Sino-Pak relations: more than meets the eye

During the ongoing visit of President Zardari to China, twelve agreements, Memoranda of Understanding and protocols have been signed. These include an agreement on technical and economic co-operation, amendments in the Free Trade Agreement, establishing a 300 million dollar National Electronics Complex in Pakistan, co-operation in mineral development, petroleum and natural resources and between the cricket boards of the two countries, environment protection, radio and television, Paksat-IR satellite procurement contract, and scientific collaboration.
While ostensibly none of these agreements are earth shattering in terms of their outcome, especially when contrasted with the US-India nuclear deal, yet it is relevant to note that China has always been hesitant to highlight the extent of its relations with its friends; and much prefers to work quietly and unobtrusively by providing assistance that has proved critical to meeting our needs.
What has been clearly evident to all is the fact that China is the only country in the world that has remained committed to the development of Pakistan and, unlike some Western countries, has never subordinated Pakistan's interests to its own geopolitical considerations.
In this context, the recent kidnapping of Chinese engineers was not only roundly condemned by our leadership but was also fully supported by the general public that has come to regard China not as a fair weather friend but as a constant ally that has never hesitated to extend support to us in our hour of need.
It is noteworthy in this regard that China has been assisting Pakistan in harnessing nuclear technology for the construction of nuclear power plants in Chashma: a 300 MW power plant is already complete and another 300 MW is under construction.
Heads and chief executives of major Chinese financial institutions called on President Zardari and evinced a keen interest in enhancing the existing level of co-operation. The Governor of the China Development Bank also called on President Zardari. In the field of banking, it is unfortunate that Chinese banks do not have a licence to operate in Western countries. In contrast, there are some Pakistani banks that do have the requisite licence.
Given that according to Goldman Sachs, China is going to emerge as the second largest economy in the world by 2035, it may well be worthwhile for the Chinese financial sector to begin forming joint ventures in this regard. While China is forging closer ties with the Central Asian Republics in an effort to harness their excess energy supply to meet its own rising demand, yet another avenue could be the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) pipeline which could be extended to include China.
What is blatantly apparent to the people of Pakistan is the markedly different treatment meted out to President Zardari on his visit to the West and China. While during his Western visits the democracy dividend was sorely lacking and President Zardari was forced to deal with accusations of not doing enough on the Pak-Afghan border, yet in China he received a warm welcome, meted out to all his predecessors as well.
In this context, our leadership's condemnation of the kidnapping of Chinese engineers is echoed by the people of this country and there is no one who does not consider that an act of treason. It is hoped that the perpetrators of that heinous crime would feel contrite and hand over the engineers to the authorities without delay and preconditions.