Explained: The Pakistan-China relationship

News: Recently, Rahul Gandhi blamed the central government for weakening the country and bringing Pakistan and China together.

How does Pakistan and China relations develop?

Recognition: Pakistan had recognised the People’s Republic of China after India and established diplomatic ties in 1951. But, due to Pakistan’s membership in SEATO and CENTO – US-led anti-communist military pacts,  it was seen as part of the non-Soviet bloc. While China is part of the soviet.

War: Both countries developed close relations during the India-China war of 1962. China also supported Pakistan diplomatically in the 1965 India-Pakistan war.

Boundary Agreement: In a boundary agreement, Pakistan ceded the Shaksgam Valley or the Trans Karakoram Tract to China. It is part of the Hunza-Gilgit region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and is a territory of India but controlled by Pakistan. The agreement laid the foundation of the Karakoram highway, built jointly by China and Pakistan in the 1970s.

Nuclear cooperation: China has played a significant role in helping Pakistan develop its nuclear energy technology, especially after India tested its nuclear device in 1974. In 1986, both countries signed an agreement to facilitate the transfer of civil nuclear technology. In 1991, China agreed to supply Pakistan with its indigenously developed Qinshan-1 nuclear power plant.

Kashmir: India’s move to abrogate Article 370, bring both countries closer.

Economic: Pakistan’s economic dependence on Beijing has increased in recent years. China also invested a lot in CPEC under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) initiative.

Defence: The Pakistan Army has procured Chinese-made battle tanks, combat drones. Pakistan endorses China’s position on core issues including the South China Sea, Taiwan, Xinjiang, and Tibet.

Afghanistan angle: China saw an opportunity in Afghanistan. China also held that Afghanistan should not be used as a base for East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) attacks. For this, China needs support from Pakistan.

India-China relationship

Both countries adopted the same anti-colonial, non-aligned approach and gave slogans like Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai. The 1988 rapprochement saw a shift of China policy where it now saw India from an economic lens and focused on trade, while separately talking to India on the border dispute.

In 1996, the then Chinese President didn’t mention Kashmir explicitly in his speech. During the Kargil conflict of 1999, China advised Pakistan to withdraw troops and solve conflicts through peaceful means. China also asked both countries to respect the line of control in Kashmir and resume negotiation as per Lahore declaration.

A similar cautious approach was adopted by China after the Parliament attack in 2002, the Op Parakram buildup, the Mumbai terror attack, Balakot airstrikes. China also acknowledge blocking Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar’s designation as a global terrorist in March 2019 at the UNSC summit.

But, with US-India nuclear deal and close relationship, there was a change in China stand. Since 2013, China indulges in border stand-offs in Depsang, Chumar, Doklam and eastern Ladakh.

Source: This post is based on the article “Explained: The Pakistan-China relationship” published in Indian Express on 4th January 2022.