China: a friend indeed

President Zardari has reached Beijing on his official visit to China. The visit carries great symbolic as well as substantive value as it is the first official foreign visit being undertaken by Zardari since his election as head of the state on September 6, 2008. The glorious history of more than half a century of Pak-China relations has been marked by frequent, intensive and fruitful interactions and political consultations between the top leaderships of the two countries. The friendly relations established in early 1950s have grown into strategic cooperation covering areas as defence, trade and investment etc. During the last about one and half decade, Pak-China relations have further deepened and expanded with greater focus on trade, investment and joint ventures. Zardari's visit will undoubtedly prove to be a new landmark in relations between the two countries as it is bound to lead towards further consolidating their already existing strong and multi-faceted strategic cooperation.

The visit comes at a very crucial moment in view of the deteriorating security situation on the western borders of Pakistan, the sudden spurt in the terrorist attacks inside the country and acute economic crisis faced by Pakistan. It is hoped that President Zardari would discuss these issues with his Chinese counterpart President Hu Jintao in Beijing.

Pak-China relationship is unique as there has been always a complete unanimity of views between the two countries on the political and strategic issues related to the region as well as the world. For example, China is a strong supporter of Pakistan's efforts to normalise relations with India through the on-going peace process and composite dialogue. They hold identical views on the need to stabilise the situation in Afghanistan through carrying out reconstruction and development work and providing good governance. China has also greatly appreciated Pakistan's efforts in combating the menace of terrorism.