With the start of the coalition government in Islamabad in April, one can see the visibility of the economic and industrialist projects under the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor (CPEC) across the country, which were going through a lukewarm phase during the previous government. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari paid visits to China right after assuming the charge and reconnected the broken government-level channels. A high-level delegation of the three armed forces was in China from June 9 to 12 on an unannounced visit and held extensive talks with their Chinese counterparts. The most important meeting was held between Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and Vice-Chairman of Chinese Military Commission General Zhang Yoshiya and discussed ways to enhance military cooperation to safeguard the common interests of the two countries. Both sides have already been engaged in activities, such as training, technology and counter-terrorism, and the recent visit would help the two sides to enhance strategic partnership and continuity of contact. Both sides signed an agreement as well. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations in a press release, the ongoing military diplomacy and military-to-military cooperation have reaffirmed their strategic partnership in difficult times. It is important to note that the army chief was in China at the invitation of the Chinese president, which was part of the joint military cooperation between the two countries.
China has always stood by Pakistan in difficult times. Right now, Pakistan needs financial assistance more than any military aid and in this regard, China has not disappointed Pakistan by offering a $2 billion loan on soft terms to rescue us from the risk of default.
Finance Minister Miftah Ismael says the Chinese loan is of great importance as it will give a strong message to the world that the world’s second-richest country stands by Pakistan. China has assured that it will work with Pakistan with more determination than ever before in difficult times. Also, the Chinese leadership has assured Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif that China will work more actively with the government. China has proven its stance with actions more than words. It is expected that with the help of China and other friendly countries, Pakistan will be able to control its economic affairs. But the real bet lies in progress on CPEC which will pave the way for an economic revolution in Pakistan.
