A friend was here

As Pakistan's international isolation deepens and it looks around, China instantly comes into sight as one of the few who still stand steadfast in their friendship. Turkey's prime minister Erdogan was here about two weeks ago, and now comes China's Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi - to convey 'we are with you'. While the releases issued by the host government on the meetings he had with top leaders are economic co-operation-specific what he said we know only through his press conference he jointly addressed with his counterpart Hina Khar. From his take at the media encounter, it comes out clearly his visit was essentially of political nature. It needs to be repeated here, for it tends to catch the spirit of his visit. He said: "Against the backdrop of evolving international situation it is all the more important for us that Pakistan and China have a strong partnership". They need to 'further enhance long-term strategic partnership'. But then he too had a few words of advice for their Pakistani friends. And that is to set their own house in order; to be more realistic in relations with other states and follow words by concrete action. Pakistan should try mending fences with neighbours, including India, and at present 'avoid confrontational path with the United States' - that was the Chinese Foreign Minister's advice. As for the threats Pakistan perceives the Chinese was absolutely categorical that it stands by Pakistan through its thick and thin. He said his country would "continue to support Pakistan in protecting its sovereignty, independence and dignity." If some of our erstwhile allies suffer from allusions of planting boots on the Pakistani soil, Yang sounded a warning against any misadventure. In international affairs, shared values and interests usually form the basis of bilateral relationships, which need to be continuously nurtured by working together by taking out weeds of misunderstandings if and when they crop up. One such weed is the issue of Eastern Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), which is a lingering security issue in China's western provinces. Although the movement, headquartered in Europe, is in existence for about a century, now of recently it draws its strength from extremists in this region. It is in Pakistan's larger interest that its soil is not used by these elements - a responsibility Islamabad must accept. Of course, the Pakistani leadership is fully committed to co-operating on this issue, but what to do when there is a clear perception in the outside world that the extremists, who are also terrorists, enjoy safe havens in Pakistan. And there should be no doubt about ETIM playing into the hands that are bent upon damaging Pak-China 'dausti'. Decades back, when something like this happened coincidental to the visit of the then President, Ghulam Ishaq, he not only instantly condemned the incident but also cautioned the local Muslim community that their first loyalty should be China. All such irritants with potential to sour our friendship with China have to be removed. Yes, China needs Pakistan but Pakistan needs China even more, especially now. But as scope of their bilateralism expands by virtue of increasing economic co-operation and identical moves to security-oriented multilateralism there is the need to ensure timely follow-ups. Rightly then President Zardari has underscored the imperative of fast-track implementation of jointly-undertaken projects, especially in areas of energy, agriculture and mining infrastructure.