China’s unique value

Beijing’s recent choice of avoiding US pressure and stepping away from the Iran pipeline notwithstanding, its relationship with Pakistan is unique indeed, primarily because the political equation has been made to revolve around long term development arrangements. Those familiar with the six-decade long relationship were neither surprised by Islamabad’s silence at the pullout nor by the pleasantness at Boao, where the two sides committed to raising bilateral trade to $15 billion. Truth be told, China is a far more valuable resource for Pakistan than the other way around. The Chinese embrace of Pakistan comes not just from the latter’s role long ago as a facilitator in engagement with the west. Their’s hasn’t been a culture that celebrates sentiment for some time now. They realise well Pakistan’s geostrategic significance (hence the bridge-chapter), more so now than ever, when the most potent threat of the 21st century will either stem from or be contained by it. Apart from China, the PM’s engagement with delegations from Iran and Kazakhstan were particularly instructive. The Iran pipeline is definitely on, which means further engagement in energy projects should follow. But the offer of access to short sea routes to Kazakhstan will gain a vital reciprocal foothold in central Asia, which must partner with Pakistan on more than just an economic level to counter the challenges ahead. The menace of terror has already declared both a common enemy, with signs that their theatre of war will spread further across the continent. In sum, while the government’s performance on the home front finds little praise, its position on South Asia seems far sighted and to Pakistan’s benefit. The Chinese factor is by far the most crucial. Even as it let discretion be the better part of valor in the Iran pipeline specific faceoff with America, it is ever ready to help friends in time of need, no matter how tall the opposition. We must build on our unique relationship with China.