Despite no spectacular announcements making headlines PM Imran Khan’s meeting with Chinese leadership has been productive. There was a mutual agreement to fast track the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. China agreed to import food and agricultural products from Pakistan provided quality control was maintained. It was agreed to launch health, industry, trade, green and digital corridors. The two sides agreed to jointly accelerate the so far neglected construction and operation of Gwadar Port. There was an agreement to continue the momentum in defence cooperation at various levels between the armed forces of Pakistan and China. President Xi did not directly comment on PM Khan’s reiteration of Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir because Chinese have supported Pakistan all along on the issue but Xi underscored that a peaceful and prosperous South Asia was in the common interest of all parties and emphasized the importance of pursuit of dialogue for the resolution of all outstanding disputes to promote regional cooperation.
Despite their long-term significance, the agreements brokered and MOUs signed would not help resolve PM Imran Khan’ immediate worries like current account deficit, rising prices of goods and services and rampant unemployment. It will take a few years before Chinese investment in the Special Economic Zones, Special Technology Zones and agricultural sector start producing results.
China is also trying to help Pakistan resolve its concerns emanating from Afghanistan. The trilateral forum involving Pakistan, China, Afghanistan is being revived to help and encourage the Taliban regime to abide by the promises they made soon after assumption of power like forming a government genuinely representing various ethnic groups in the country and respecting human rights. Beijing is also hosting a conference of the immediate neighbours of Afghanistan comprising China, Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
PM Khan is reportedly keen to visit Russia soon. It is a good move to have friendly relations with Russia but this must not lead to losing old friends like the US and western countries. He must not forget that while Russia and China have evolved systems of governance that suit them, people in Pakistan support a democratic and federal system. While Pakistan should have friendly ties will all, the tendency to be easily fascinated by others has to be kept in check.
