Aarish U. Khan
Aarish U. Khan is a Research Analyst at the Institute of Regional Studies.
DOI: http://DOI Number
Keywords: Pakistan, diplomatic relations, China, CPEC, cooperation, global issues, forums, bilateral relations
Abstract
Pakistan recognized China on 9 January 1950, and became one of the first to do so. The relationship between the two countries was marked by ambivalence for the first decade. Pakistan and China have been facilitating each other in various matters such as in 1965 war, or in developing relations with US, and also for the release of prisoners. Since then, there have been high level exchanges between the two and also various agreements. An agreement was also signed to establish an economic corridor between Pakistan and China during the visit. China had played a major role in the first phase of development of the Gwadar port from 2002 to 2007, but the port operations were leased to the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) International Private Limited in 2007 for 40 years. Since China had played a key role in the first phase of the development of the port, it was like returning it to where it belonged. The port gives the undeveloped western section of China convenient access to the warm waters of the Arabian Sea, reducing the time and resources needed to carry trade items from western China to West Asia. As a result, the port has significant economic growth potential for the western half of China through commerce with West Asia. This paper attempts to document and analyse the developments in Pakistan-China relations from 2008 to 2013, culminating in the return of Gwadar port operations to China, as well as other similar developments that strengthened the long-standing and time-tested friendship.
First Published
June 25, 2013
How to Cite
Aarish U. Khan, “PAK-China Relations: Adding Substance to Slogan,” Regional Studies 31, no.3 (Summer 2013): 3-24, https://regionalstudies.com.pk/wp/article/pak-china-relations-adding-substance-to-slogan/
Issue
Volume 31, Issue 3