High-level visit: Beijing promises full support to end militancy

China’s Defence Minister Gen Chang Wanquan meets PM Nawaz. PHOTO: INP 

ISLAMABAD:  China has thrown its weight behind Pakistan’s efforts to end the violence that has plagued the country for over a decade.

China’s Defence Minister General Chang Wanquan extended his country’s full support in rooting out militancy from Pakistan in a meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Friday, officials told The Express Tribune.

They said the premier briefed the visiting Chinese minister over Pakistan’s current security situation and the steps his government was taking to end the violence.
The development comes against the backdrop of reports which suggest the government is on the verge of launching a ground offensive against militants in North Waziristan Agency.
China is believed to have been taking keen interest in the possible operation because of its concerns over Pakistani militants’ links with separatists in China’s Xinjiang province.
According to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Nawaz said Pakistan deeply values China’s support on issues of Pakistan’s national security and territorial integrity. He reiterated that Islamabad and Beijing enjoy a ‘unique relationship’.
“Strong mutual trust, excellent cooperation and convergence of views on regional and global issues provide a solid foundation for our time-tested, all-weather friendship,” the statement quoted the premier as saying.
He also deeply appreciated Chinese support for projects included in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor in the recent Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC).
“China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will not only benefit both nations, but transform the region’s economy and dovetail perfectly with the strategy to develop and connect south and central Asian regions,” he said.
Premier Nawaz told Gen Chang that providing security to Chinese nationals in Pakistan was his government’s utmost priority and all possible steps had been taken to ensure this.
He also voiced his confidence that cooperation between Pakistan and China, including in the field of defence, will continue to grow to the benefit of both the countries. The visiting minister reiterated his government’s support for Pakistan.
The meeting was also attended by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi.
Hilal-e-Pakistan for China’s defence minister
President Mamnoon Hussain on Friday conferred the Hilal-e-Pakistan upon the Chinese defence minister in a special investiture ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The President conferred the award on General Chang Wanquan in recognition of his role and meritorious services for further promoting the already existing close bonds of friendship especially defence cooperation between Pakistan and China, an official statement said.
“General Chang Wanquan, a great friend of Pakistan, played an important role in further strengthening bonds between the People’s Liberation Army of China and armed forces of Pakistan besides promoting bilateral defence cooperation,” the citation read on the occasion said.