Evolving Global and Regional Scenario, Chinese Experience of Reform and Development and Pak-China Relations

On the 60th anniversary of Pak-China diplomatic relations a seminar titled “Evolving Global and Regional Scenario, Chinese Experience of Reform, Development and Pak-China Relations” was organized on March 15, 2011.

On the 60th anniversary of Pak-China diplomatic relations a seminar titled “Evolving Global and Regional Scenario, Chinese Experience of Reform, Development and Pak-China Relations” was organized on March 15, 2011. Ambassador of Peoples Republic of China to Pakistan H. E. Liu Jian was the keynote speaker while Chairman IPS Prof. Khurshid Ahmad chaired and DG IPS Khalid Rahman opened the session.

DG IPS Khalid Rahman, while making the introductory remarks, noted that the sharing many common grounds between the two great nations and enjoying mutual trust and respect for uncommon which include cultural, religious and historical diversities or the differences in political and social systems provided a solid foundation for sustainable cooperation and friendship between Pakistan and china. He, however, felt the need to reorient this bilateral relationship keeping in view the challenges and opportunities in the regional and global scenario.

H.E Liu Jian has said that China considered peaceful use of nuclear technology a right of every nation and double standards regarding nuclear non-proliferation need to be avoided and discouraged. He said that while China was in favor of a peaceful solution to Kashmir dispute through dialogue and consultation of India and Pakistan, its visa policy for residents of Indian Held Kashmir is based on principles and shall continue.

Highlighting the achievements of Chinese people, he said that China has moved from seclusion to the prominence during past three decades on the basis of hard work and commitment of its people as well as leadership and is seen today as a successful model of comprehensive, harmonious development by the world. Spelling out the achievements of Chinese people in various fields he said that China today is the second largest trading country of the world and a leading contributor to international growth. The planners of national development have made sure that fruits of reform are shared by people of all areas of the country in all walks of life. It is for this reason that per capita income of Chinese people has increased thirty-two times during past as many years, life expectancy has also increased from 35 years in 1949 to 73 years now.

Ambassador Liu Jian also discussed the principles of China’s foreign policy, based upon mutual trust and respect. Noting that “some countries were trying to play a bigger role” in global affairs, he underlined that foreign policy of his country is aimed at building a peaceful harmonious international community where all states and peoples enjoy equal status and respect.

He said that China had been able to develop closer trade, cultural and social linkages with almost all countries of the world and was playing its role in moving towards a prosperous future for whole mankind. He said that when China opted for market economy, it sent its experts to various countries and benefitted from experiences of others. China today welcomes other nations to benefit from its experiences but every country and every society has to conceive them in context of their peculiarities.

Talking about Pak-China relations, he said that both countries had already signed a number of MOUs in almost all areas of mutual interest and it was ripe time that they are put into practice. He said that his country wished to enhance its cooperation with Pakistan and had already suggested to the government of Pakistan that leadership of both countries needed to sit together to explore the ways in which China could contribute more effectively to energy sector in Pakistan. While cooperation between both nations in all fields has increased during recent years on official and public levels, China could offer active and effective assistance in developing Pakistan’s energy and transport sectors as well as in building its infrastructure.

The envoy also said that his government was offering 500 scholarships for Pakistani students to study in China, and facilitating the travel of tourists and business community from Pakistan to their country. “People to people contacts are being strengthened”, he remarked.

Chairman of the Institute of Policy Studies Professor Khurshid Ahmad said that China had shown a path of progress in which innovations could be made while being loyal to the vision and values of the native culture. He reminded that increased share of China in world economy had given birth to hope that China shall play more effective role in promoting values of mutual trust and international harmony in world affairs as well. “Chinese model has lot to offer to developing countries as well as the super powers,” he concluded.

Seminar, organized as part of the 60th anniversary of Pak-China diplomatic relations, was attended by large number of intellectuals, diplomats, academics, students and representatives of chambers of commerce and industry.