The relationship between Pakistan and China is described as unique, and it is not similar to any relationships between other countries, so what is the secret? The giant China and the second largest economy in the world have strategic relations with many countries, but there is no country that is associated with the same overlapping political and economic depth, as is the case with Pakistan.
She finally emerged to the surface and the importance of the relationship between Beijing and Islamabad when the confrontations erupted between India and Pakistan, where China supported Pakistan and confirmed its standing beside it to deter any attack and confirm its position, especially in the economic field.
This was confirmed by our guest in this meeting, Professor and Economist, Pakistani economist, Shakeel Ahmed Rami, who wrote several books on China and about Beijing with Pakistan, along with many articles he wrote and the lectures he delivered.
Rami believes – in his private interview with Al -Jazeera Net – that the partnership between the two countries is a strategy and that it is a “unique and comprehensive” relationship, based on mutual respect and the common desire for development. It indicates that China has shown a real willingness to support Pakistan in several fields.
He inferred the durability of the relationship between the two countries by the saying of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who said – during a phone call with his Pakistani counterpart, Isaac Dar, after the Indian attack on Pakistan on the seventh of this month – “as the reliable friend of Pakistan and its strategic partner in all circumstances, China is fully aware of the legitimate security concerns of Pakistan and supports it in protecting its sovereignty and security interests.”
The economist and strategic analyst, Shakeel Ahmed Rami, has a deep vision of the path of the China Pakistani partnership, and a realistic evaluation of its gains and challenges.
In this short dialogue, we highlight the features of cooperation, the differences between Chinese and Western support, and the expert recommendations “for a more balanced and independent economic future for Pakistan.”
Here is the dialogue that took place:
What is the Pakistani -Chinese relationship?
Shakil emphasized the uniqueness of the relationship between the two countries and that it is far and extends for more than 5 decades, and indicated that it is characterized by the following:
- Continuity and stability: Despite political changes, the relationship was not affected by the change of governments or regimes, whether it was Pakistan in civil or military rule, or if China was going through economic transformations.
- The absence of conflicting interests: Unlike Pakistan’s relations with the West or India, there are no historical or border disputes or direct geopolitical competition with China.
- The relationship is based on the integration of interests that do not collide.
- Deep security and defensive cooperation: China provides military support to Pakistan, and has recently emerged in the confrontations between India and Pakistan. Recent estimates indicate that China has provided Pakistan with about 80% of its weapons during the past five years, including submarines and combat aircraft, which enhances its military capabilities against India.
- Cooperation included technology transfer and joint weapons manufacturing such as JF-17 aircraft.
- The relationship between the two countries is based on mutual support in international forums, as China is always defending Pakistan in the Security Council, especially in issues related to Kashmir or terrorism. Pakistan, in turn, supports China’s international positions, including its position on Taiwan and Shangngiang.
Can you describe the economic relationship between Pakistan and China?
Rami explained that there is a growing economic partnership between the two countries, and reflects the economic corridor project between China and Pakistan, “CBEC”, that China has turned into a developmental and investment partner that made China the largest investor in Pakistan.
How to compare China’s support for Pakistan with its western support?
Shakeel says, after Pakistan’s disappointments with the United States, China is an irreplaceable partner and does not link aid to political reforms or harsh conditions.
He reminded to represent the West’s denial of Pakistan and its lack of support as it should, that the American and NATO forces used – during their 20 -year war in Afghanistan since 2001 – Pakistan knocked to transport its mechanisms and trucks, but they left these methods that they were worn and did not repair or rehabilitate them.
He continued his speech, “As for China, which establishes projects in Pakistan in several regions, it has created modern roads and advanced infrastructure to serve its projects and to support Pakistan.”
Can it summarize in points, why Pakistan tends to China instead of the West in its economic cooperation?
- The West is required to provide support to Pakistan difficult political and economic reforms, while China provides financing on lighter terms and without direct political intervention.
- China does not require political concessions from Pakistan for the support it provides, so it does not require the application of Western democracy, and does not invoke human rights issues, but rather deals with matters realistically, including the interest.
- China provides funding for huge projects without entering into internal affairs.
What is the Pakistani role required to support economic cooperation with China?
The economist explains that China has shown a real readiness to support Pakistan in the fields of defense, industry and infrastructure, but rather did this in several projects.
However, this requires the Pakistani side to reform the state -owned companies to facilitate cooperation and development processes.
Rami criticized the recommendations of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank regarding the privatization of state -owned Pakistani companies, and instead suggested that cooperation with China to reform these companies through strategic partnerships, benefiting from the successful experience of China in this field.
What are the most prominent challenges and opportunities for the distinguished relationship between Pakistan and China?
Rami believes that China provides great opportunities for Pakistan, and warns that the success of this partnership depends on Pakistan’s ability to manage project effectively, ensure transparency, and provide a safe environment for investors.
It indicates that there are security and political challenges that can affect the implementation of projects, such as those facing the economic corridor projects between China and Pakistan CPEC, specifically in the Gawadr region, where Chinese projects are being attacked by armed groups backed from abroad.
The economist states that this promising project aims to create a land road linking the city of Kashger (western China) and the Pakistani port, which is part of the China -Global Belt and Road Initiative.
Rami’s most prominent books on China
- “Undersanding China for Future Cooperration”, this book was published in 2020 by the Institute for Sustainable Development Policy (SDPI), and is considered one of its most prominent books.
The book deals with the Chinese development model, and explains how Pakistan and developing countries can benefit from the Chinese experience in the fields of governance, economics, and regional cooperation.
- “China in the New Age … a community with a common future” China in New Era: Community with shared Future, and this book was published in 2021 by the Institute of Environmental Civilization (Aied).
The book discusses the vision of President Xi Jinping in the “New Age” and “Society with a Joint Future”, and analyzes China’s economic, diplomatic and security policies in this context.
- China in 75: From Revolution to Renewal: From Revolution to Rejuvenation, and this book was launched in 2023 on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The book reviews China’s journey from promoting prosperity, with a focus on the political, economic and social transformations that the country has gone through.
It is usually that Rami’s literature is usually used in many universities and research centers.
