Learn from China

byurhanuddin Hasan

source:Pakistan Observer

Pakistan established diplomatic relations with the Peoples Republic of China in 1950 soon after the country was liberated by Mao Tse Dong after his triumphant long march into Beijing. One year later diplomatic relations were established between the two countries. India too, recognized China at about the same time having deep friendly relation with the communist nation. The Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai slogan was raised and continued ringing in the air till Sino Indian border war erupted in 1962.

This was the time when China’s relations with Pakistan started strengthening till over a period of a few decades they became as described by the Chinese President Hu Jintao “higher than the mountains and deeper than the oceans”. This is probably the best description of the closest possible relationship between two nations. China in fact has become the strongest pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy. China strongly supported Pakistan’s opposition to Soviet involvement in Afghanistan and endorses our stand on Kashmir. Pakistan too, supports China on the issues of Xinjiang, Tibet and Taiwan. Lately military cooperation between the two countries has deepened with joint projects in the production of armaments ranging from fighter jets to guided missile frigates. In these difficult times when Pakistan’s economy is in doldrums China invests substantially in Pakistan’s infrastructural expansion like the deep water port at Gwader. Both countries have an ongoing free trade agreement. China in fact is an all weather friend of Pakistan which has an enduring multi dimensional and deep rooted relationship with Pakistan. Nevertheless, of late there has been a thaw in Sino-Indian relationship after a freeze of over a half century after their border war in 1962. This indicates China’s realistic approach about her relations with her neighbors, India being its most important neighbor like Pakistan which has made tremendous progress in recent years like China. Both countries are heading towards becoming the largest Asian super powers in the near future. China and India both realized that it is in their mutual interest to support each other to make Asia a super power like Europe and America.

Despite their long border problems, both China and India have wisely decided to put them aside in the larger interest of the progress and prosperity of both nations. During his recent visit to India the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao finalized one hundred billion dollars worth of business deals with India without speaking a word about the broader problems. India did the same. This is forward looking diplomacy without getting mired in disputes which can not be solved.

China knows that Pakistan is still mired in Kashmir dispute with India which probably can never be solved. So Mr. Wen did not say a word about it during his visit to Pakistan. Mr. Wen knows fully well that Pakistan is passing through a distressful period of its economic decline, large scale corruption, miss-governance and religious frenzy mixed with terrorism which has made the country a bundle of insolvable problems. Mr. Wen therefore focused only on economic ties which have gained priority over all other things. The present bilateral trade stands at only $ 7 billion, one eighth of China’s trade volume with India. During his visit thirty four memoranda of interest were signed; 13 at the government level and 22 at the private sector level.

But all this is useless without good governance and honesty which are presently lacking in Pakistan. Besides we have to redefine our priorities and streamline our style of governance. This government is not capable to solve our problems. In the first place we should learn a lesson from China and sort out our problems with India, like China has done. Our top priority should not be Kashmir problem, which we can easily put on the backburner for the time being and focus on the improvement of our relations with India to join in the Sino-Indian relations to march forward on the path of progress. Our wars with India on Kashmir issue cost us dearly. Likewise our despicable behavior with East Pakistan and our maltreatment of our Bengali population resulted in the breakup of our country with the separation of the East wing. We must learn a lesson from our stupid mistakes and take advantage of the wisdom of our Chinese friends. We should invite Chinese experts to replace our western friends to oversee our use of Chinese assistance in the development of our economy. Otherwise it is feared that China’s generous aid will go into the pockets of corrupt elements just like US aid. Late President Bhutto was the architect of Pak China friendship after his landmark visit to Beijing in 1972 and his meetings with great leaders of China, Chairman Mao and Premier Chow Enlai. In a banquet speech Mr. Bhutto said “we have no intention of becoming a liability on China. Instead we will be a source of strength for our mutual relations. We want a relationship based on honor, dignity and self respect. If today you have to take certain burdens on our behalf we shall remember them and we shall repay them.” When he came back to Pakistan he started wearing Mao cap while addressing public meetings. The time has come for us to further strengthen our relations with China which is now in a position to help us in many different ways.

It must be emphasized that all assistance we may get from China will go waste if not utilized properly and judiciously under the supervision of Chinese experts. If not, it is likely to be squandered by corrupt elements working with an inefficient government.

China’s renewed friendship with India is the hallmark of a great nation’s dynamism in keeping its doors open for other countries in their mutual self interest. We can also forgive and forget our differences with India and renew our good relations in the best interest of both countries. As regards Kashmir problem, we had come close to its solution when former President Musharraf and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had agreed on a formula of giving full autonomy to both Indian and Pakistani regions of Kashmir with open borders, but unfortunately some hard liners sabotaged it and the issue remains unresolved. Since Pakistan itself is in a mess at this time it will be wise to leave Kashmir alone at this stage and pay attention to our basic problem of survival.