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As Prime Minister Imran Khan met with top Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping, on Sunday, China pledged closer cooperation with Pakistan under the USD 60 billion CPEC investment programme and called for a proper and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, while opposing any “unilateral actions” that could complicate the situation.
On the final day of his four-day visit to China, Khan met with President Xi to discuss a variety of issues, including the slow progress of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Beijing’s growing concerns about recurring attacks on Chinese personnel working in its various projects in Pakistan.
According to the state-run Xinhua news agency, during his meeting with Khan, Xi stated that China is committed to Pakistan’s national independence, sovereignty, and dignity, as well as battling terrorism.
He stated that China is eager to work with Pakistan to advance the CPEC’s development and ensure that critical projects are completed.
“Both sides emphasised that a peaceful and prosperous South Asia is in the common interest of all parties,” said a joint statement released after Khan’s travel to China to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics.
According to the statement, “They emphasised the need of continuing to discuss and resolving all lingering problems in order to build regional cooperation and advance the region’s long-term goals of peace, stability, and shared prosperity.”
“The Pakistani side updated the Chinese side on the latest developments in the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, including its worries, position, and current pressing issues. The Chinese side reaffirmed that the Kashmir conflict was a legacy issue that should be resolved appropriately and peacefully in accordance with the United Nations Charter, relevant Security Council resolutions, and bilateral agreements. China opposes any unilateral moves that exacerbate the situation, according to the statement.
In the past, India has vehemently denied any reference to Jammu and Kashmir in a joint statement issued by Pakistan and China, asserting that the union territory, as well as Ladakh, have been and would continue to be an integral and inalienable part of the country.
In July 2021, Arindam Bagchi, a spokeswoman for the External Affairs Ministry, protested to a mention to the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in a joint statement by the two nations, claiming that it is in Indian territory that Pakistan has illegally acquired.
“India, as in the past, strongly opposes any mention of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Ladakh, have always been and will continue to be integral and inalienable parts of India “Mr. Bagchi had stated something to that effect.
India has continuously communicated to both China and Pakistan that the so-called CPEC is on Indian soil, according to the spokesperson.
China acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices and efforts in the battle against terrorism, according to the joint statement, and both sides reiterated their commitment to combating terrorism in all forms and manifestations.
According to the report, “Both parties agreed to keep the momentum going in terms of defence cooperation between Pakistan’s and China’s armed forces at all levels.”
Pakistan’s largest supplier of armaments, including battle tanks, fighter jets, and the latest naval frigates, has emerged as China.
“They emphasised the importance of deeper defence and security cooperation between Pakistan and China for regional peace and stability,” the statement said.
During his meeting with Khan, Xi stated that the “strategic importance” of all-weather connections is “becoming more evident” as the two countries inked multiple agreements to strengthen all-weather cooperation.
“Both sides expressed their firm intention to protect CPEC against any threats and harmful propaganda,” according to the joint statement.
Pakistan reaffirmed its willingness to go to great lengths to ensure the safety of all Chinese employees, projects, and institutions in Pakistan, and China expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s efforts.
Xi stated that China is eager to improve coordination and cooperation with Pakistan on multilateral forums, including as the United Nations, in order to maintain world and regional peace and stability.
In a meeting with Khan on Saturday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang stated that Pakistan is China’s top priority in regional diplomacy and that China urges Chinese businesses to invest.
According to Khan, Pakistan is eager to take proactive actions to promote the second phase of CPEC development and increase collaboration with China in the domains of industry, agriculture, and information technology.
Khan is making his fourth trip to China, having previously visited in October of this year.
