MT Desk: China and Pakistan share a resilient bond, a brotherly bond, and a bond built on trust and common values – an ironclad friendship forged through history and growing stronger with time, President Xi said while meeting PM Shehbaz Sharif. These words are simple but carry a powerful message, encapsulating the entire Pak-China relationship. Let`s decode the words and understand the message. First, the bond is resilient, meaning it can withstand even the toughest situations. History shows every difficult moment has given new strength to the relationship. Many examples prove this, where both countries stood shoulder to shoulder, regardless of circumstances.
After China`s founding, Pakistan faced intense pressure from the US and the West not to establish ties. The West sought to isolate China. Pakistan refused to compromise and did not bow to pressure.
Second, the relationship is a brotherly bond, meaning both care for each other and share common interests. Several examples support this. After the establishment of the People`s Republic of China, Taiwan was granted China`s UN and Security Council seat.
Pakistan rejected this and strongly advocated for China`s rights. Pakistan also provided an air corridor to China, connecting it with the world. Lastly, Pakistan helped China and the US build relations, opening a new world for Beijing. China has always responded with the same spirit. During the wars of 1965, 1971, and 2025, it stood firmly by Pakistan`s side. The most notable example is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). China offered CPEC to Pakistan when it was in its greatest need.
At that time, Pakistan faced its worst wave of terrorism, a crippled economy, rising unemployment, and load shedding that devastated the economy and social fabric. The world refused to invest in Pakistan. Even allies in the war on terror refused to invest and instead campaigned against Pakistan, declaring it unsafe for living and investment.
Amid these dire circumstances, China stepped forward and offered CPEC. China invested nearly $28 billion under CPEC, creating about 236,000 jobs in Pakistan.
Third, the relationship is built on trust. Both countries listen to each other and trust each other. They do not listen to third parties or rumours. For example, after Pakistan signed the Seato and Cento treaties, some countries told China that Pakistan was forming an alliance against it. China did not believe it.