EDITORIAL

Unity of thought and purpose in Pak-China relations

The joint declaration, which formed part of the eight landmark accords President Pervez Musharraf and Chinese President Hu Jintao signed in Beijing, on Monday, can rightly be termed as addition of yet another dimension to the "all-weather relationship" between the two neighbouring nations and which has become the envy of many a nation across the world. That it marks a firm resolve by both the countries goes without saying. Such has been the distinguishing pattern of their joint policies and programmes ever since Pakistan's open-hearted recognition of liberated China over half a century ago. What is all the more remarkable about the joint declaration happens to be the fact that it is not merely a declaration of intent but, instead, "a manifestation of a strong commitment" on the part of the two countries to adopt "a common stand" on regional and international issues. And this, of course, has reference to tormenting developments on both economic and political fronts, with a marked focus on terrorism and all that goes with it. The purpose of this document of lasting value, as such, lies in redefining the very "objectives of their relations." This should explain why Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz referred to it as "a landmark agreement" while saying it is clearly aimed at adopting a joint strategy on all matters of mutual interests.
Viewed in this perspective, General Pervez Musharraf's visit to China will certainly serve as a long awaited manifestation of Pak-China attuning to many a challenging portents unfolding on a global scale, as also threatening the two countries. Now that the two countries have resolved to fight what President Hu described as "three forces" - extremism, ethnic separatism and terrorism - it should inspire renewed confidence among the Pakistani and Chinese people in the two governments combating together these evils. It will be noted that variously fighting internal terrorism from different thrusts, Pakistan has lately emerged as the frontline state in the global coalition's war on terror, particularly, focusing Afghanistan. Now that China's concern about the "three forces" has come to the fore, quite understandable should be President Musharraf's unqualified positive response. Needless to point out that as China's trusted friend and as a country bordering China's threatened Xinjiang province, it lies in Pakistan's own enlightened interest too to ensure conditions of peace and tranquillity in its neighbourhood. It is in this context Pakistan's role in denying sanctuary to the separatists will appear to be critical to China's handling of the situation. And this may be attributed to CCTV acknowledging that Pakistan "stood resolutely against terrorism" and did not allow "anti-China forces... to use Pakistan as a base."
This much for the common stance against these defined evils as threatening both Pakistan and China, in one way or the other. Making a common cause to combat them is indeed a happy augury in that respect. As for a number of economic issues, as concerning both the countries, good care will appear to have been taken to address them too. This has reference to the seven other agreements, ranging from cooperation in "defence industrial" production and preferential trade to cultural exchanges and to extradition of criminals. Of course crucial, in this regard, happen to be are the three economic agreements - that is, the ones related to expansion of the Saindak copper project and zinc deposits at Doddar, besides the accord on Chinese assistance in modernising Pakistan Railways' signalling system. Moreover, the Preferential Trade Agreement will be clearly seen as reduction in tariffs on specific items on the two sides, thereby helping boost the volume of bilateral trade, which had left a great deal to desired.