In this media-dominated age where hype and hysteria prevail, views of Pakistanis and Indians about each other and their respective worlds continue to collide. The propensity to assume the worst about each other and to wholly succumb to hypernationalistic furies is a tragic flaw. In great measure, this stems from a psyche of fear and insecurity, which is evident in vociferous sentimentality.
India's thought, conduct and policies often lack originality and a sense of ground reality. They often seem a bland imitation of the West, based on theories of geopolitics of a bygone age. Contrast this with the Chinese. A nation and a civilisation that has through thousands of years maintained its poise and confidence and an unwavering belief and faith in its glorious future. China's civilisational renaissance, its transformation into a great power, and comprehensive aggregation of its national strength are the most consequential developments of this century.
Most notably, President Xi Jinping's One Belt, One Road initiative provides the answers to the topical questions of our times. An inclusive proposition to build corridors and connectivity for peaceful commerce and mutual prosperity. A win-win model of cooperation among the nations of the world. The Eurasian land bridge and maritime routes, which are designed to expand avenues of development and prosperity on a scale not witnessed ever before. In short, geo-economics rather than geopolitics is the way forward in a world troubled by strife and conflict and riven by dissensions of class, creed, mythologies and ideologies.
In comparison, India's quest for great power status is in sharp contrast. India believes it could be rated as a major power primarily on the basis of its military strength. Indian policies and practices imitate the Western model of geopolitics. This is manifesting in its abandonment of non-alignment and a proclivity to play junior partner in alliances designed to counter China as well as by dabbling in the internal affairs of its neighbours.
Viewed from Islamabad, India's rancour against Pakistan and its delirious policies to undo and reshape political geography, all this while it faces multiple internal conflicts and insurgencies, not to mention teeming poverty and tremendous challenges of social and economic development, are indeed incomprehensible.
China has prioritised economic development. It is prepared to underwrite the development of its near and far neighbours. It is not interested in fanning conflicts and disputes or in fomenting insurgencies or creating instability in its neighbourhood. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor is a flagship project of the Belt and Road. It is making great strides towards building and upgrading connectivity between Pakistan and China. It envisages industrial and economic zones and the use of ports on the Arabian Sea for peaceful commerce. In a true sense, it is a game-changer for Pakistan and could bring great development and prosperity to the region as a whole. Iran and eventually Afghanistan will see the merit of CPEC and would be welcome to join this project for shared prosperity.
Pakistan genuinely believes in the wisdom, sincerity and efficacy of the Chinese model. It can and must emulate it to the fullest. China has been a reliable partner for Pakistan's development and in shaping durable regional security. In fact, Pakistan-China friendship and 'Strategic Co-operative Partnership' is a cardinal factor for peace and security for Asia, as a whole.
China has the vision, will and capacity to shape the 21st century in ways that are different. Not a repeat of the bloodshed of the world wars of the past. China has never asked Pakistan to provide it military or naval bases as were provided by Pakistan to the US. China has never passed its own problems over to others.
Indian policy is traversing the ground Pakistan has historically covered in terms of its participation in a system of alliances and realised this did not work for it. Pakistan's approach of good, co-operative and friendly relations with its neighbours is informed by China's example. China has always advised Pakistan and India to resolve their issues through peaceful dialogue.
A key feature of Chinese foreign policy is the scrupulous observance of principles of the UN Charter and international law. It puts a premium on peaceful coexistence and non-interference in internal affairs. Understandably, China is concerned over the tensions between India and Pakistan and, as a responsible member of the international community, has repeatedly called upon both countries to embark on a path of dialogue for ensuring peace, stability and development.
The countries of South Asia would do well to emulate the Chinese example of conducting international relations with wisdom and farsightedness and genuinely prioritised development over playing power politics or serving as proxies for extra-regional powers.
(The author is a former Foreign Secretary and Ambassador of Pakistan to China and India. Courtesy India Today)