Pakistan and China
Pakistan
and China
In 1947, China was locked in
civil war between the nationalist government and communist rebels. The war
ended with a victory of communists led by Mao Zedong. India enthusiastically
recognized the new Government. It seemed that the India’s positive attitude
combined with Pakistan’s acceptance of aid from non communist western power meant
that China and Pakistan could not be good allies.
However, in 1962 China went to
war with India. The event soured the relations between India and China which
pushed China and Pakistan into a closer understanding. In March they began
talks to settle their own disputes. China was keen to win Pakistan’s friendship
to counter declining relations with India and Soviet Union. In 1963, Pakistan
and China announced a series of trade agreements. China granted Pakistan a $60
million interest free loan and soon became the world’s largest purchases of
Pakistani cotton. In August PIA began regular flights to China. In 1964, China
made a statement supporting Pakistan’s policy in Kashmir. In return, Pakistan
supported China’s entry into the UN.
During 1965 war, China supplied
military aid to Pakistan. Chinese support almost helped Pakistan obtain better
terms in the cease fire. Immediately after the war, China agreed to supply
military aircraft and helped to manufacture K-8 jets. The friendly relations
were highlighted in 1978 when Karakorum Highway opened. It opened doors for
easy trade between the two countries. It followed the Old Silk Route through
which Chinese goods had originally came to the rest of Asia. In 1986, China and
Pakistan signed a nuclear cooperation treaty.
In November 1989, Chinese PM
visited Pakistan and provided an aid for nuclear devices. In 1991 Chinese
President Yand’s visit to Pakistan reviewed the changing regional and Global
politics and made an agreement to expand cooperation. In 1993, Benazir’s
successful visit to China provided 5 agreements to expand economic cooperation.
China supported proposals of a 5 nations conference on non proliferation regime
in South Asia. In 1995, Chinese provided financial and technical aid to enhance
production of Pakistan Steel Mills. Many agreements were signed about culture
arts and education during 1997-99. Bilateral trade crossed one billion dollar
mark.
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