To China, With Love

China is an embodiment of everlasting friendship, irrespective of culture and distinct belief

system. Both nations have taken various steps to further their relation into a strategic partnership
grounded on interests and shared values as there is popular Chinese proverb, ‘’the journey of
thousands of miles begins with a single step’’. It was very first step in 1950 when Pakistan
recognized China as a sovereign and independent state.

Pakistan and China are well known as ‘’all-weather friends’’ have had a history of glorious
journey. Both nations have successfully developed multi-dimensional relations with good
example of peaceful co-existence notwithstanding diverse political, economic and social
systems. Historically, these partners have faced Indian threats to their sanctuary that cause to
produce a strong tie of entente. Despite various strategic challenges China never sacrifices its
harmonious relations with Pakistan.

Pakistan has always prioritized China in its foreign policy to adopt bilateralism. Furthermore,
geographical position of Pakistan has been on the junction of big and small powers, enmities and
politics. Its status of friendship does not establish overnight it has faced lot of favorable and
unfavorable circumstances in the face of long live amity.

China is an ancient civilization which has ironic archives of dynasties. China considers itself as
‘’Middle kingdom’’ and outsiders as ‘’barbarians’’. Its foreign policy is cosmopolitan policy
where china has momentously influenced by its historical and traditional exchanges with others.
China had started contact with world in the era of Han dynasty by silk road with Jib in Kashmir.
Following interactions, religious links had made deep roots in the province of Xinjiang
predominantly Islam. These religious ties gradually but confidently abridged the earthly
detachments whereby founding spiritual, traditional and economic connections between both
nations. There are plenty of relics are founded by archeologists in the Indus civilization which
tells the influence of Chinese art. China-Pakistan started their trade famed route known as Silk
road started from Xinjiang(China) to Kashgar(Pakistan) through the mountainous Karakoram.
Both areas are dense populated with Muslim population.

Pakistan-China friendship is well preserved by this notation ‘’A friendship higher than the
heights of Himalayas and deeper than depths of Arabian sea’’. The friendly relations have been
defined concluded the years by the leaderships of two nations as all-weather, time-tested and
deeper and just, as strategic and stronger than steel. These lexes are not modest cants but truly
the strength, depth and maturity of the relationship constructed over the last 65 years. As
responsive neighbors, Pakistan and China uphold handy communication and harmonization on
global and regional issues of common apprehensions. China has always proudly supported
Pakistan’s progress and execution of anti-terrorism security strategy constructed on its national
circumstances.

On the introduction of ‘’one belt one road (OBOR) wits and signing of the China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor widely known as CPEC these both nation has entered in new golden era.
Chinese investments in the field several mega projects launched in power generations and
transmission. Basic infrastructures likewise long motorways, railways, airports, seaports, oil-gas
pipelines being promoted and reinforced.

Chinese citizens are coming to Pakistan helping to build a strong and visible Pakistan. In the
commencement of CPEC number of visitor from Chinese nationals has been tremendously
increased. China is most visiting country to Pakistan which proved harmonious relation between
countries. Since then people to people interaction has been enormously increased, Chinese locals
nowadays working in every field of life in Pakistan they are being living here with respect and
dignity. There are many interested cases in recent period that chines locals are being married
with Pakistani brides which makes more tied relationship in socio-cultural aspects of life.
Chinese dentists are more popular in the metropolitans of Pakistan. Chinese food and restaurants
are widely visited by the Pakistani people here in the cities of Pakistan. There are many
linguistics institutes which teaches Chinese to Pakistanis. People of Pakistan are highly
ambitious to learn Chinese for their friendly ties as best neighbor. There are Chinese chairs in
different academia of Pakistan where Chinese language being promoted and flourished through
trainings and workshops.

Pakistani students are more than 30000 studying in different universities of China in the different
realms of life from management to engineering sciences through the China Scholarship Council
(CSC). Every year there is increasing number of scholars getting scholarships in China for higher
studies.
Till date, China-Pakistan long term goal i.e. CPEC its progress is satisfactorily and meeting
desired goals. In the meantime, CPEC is going to launch Special Economic Zone (SEZ) where
china will shift its industries into Pakistan. Which ultimately creates jobs and would increase
national productivity. Pakistan is strongly hopeful for future.

Dr Naila Leghari d/o Maqbool Leghari

Address: House no: AC/19, Akhtar Cottages, near Gulistan e sajjad, Qasimabad, Hyderabad

Legharinaila1@gmail.com