The relations between the two neighboring countries, Pakistan and China, formally began in 1950 when Pakistan, being the third non-Communist and the first Muslim country, recognized the People’s Republic of China. Since then every passing year marks the strengthening of the bond between the two nations and their populations. The relations between Pakistan and China have been described by Pakistan’s ambassador to China as “higher than the mountains, deeper than the oceans, stronger than steel, dearer than eyesight, sweeter than honey, and so on.”
The two countries were already linked by the historic Silk Route, colligating the mountainous northern Pakistan with western China, but the affection between the populations heightened when, in 1998, the Karakoram Highway was officially inaugurated. This aided in the advancement of interactions between the two countries. The diplomatic relations between the two nations began in 1951, immediately after China’s advent. China offered military assistance in 1966, and the two countries formed a strategic alliance in 1972. Moreover, in 1979, China began to cooperate economically with Pakistan by investing in major projects, which were of primary concern to other neighboring countries.
According to Pew Research Centre in 2013, Pakistanis have the most favorable view of China after China itself. This is owing to China’s backing for Pakistan’s opposition to the Soviet Union’s intervention in Afghanistan, and Pakistan’s support to China on issues related to China’s sovereignty after Sino-Indian War. However, Pakistan’s acceptance of aid from non-Communist Western powers combined with India’s positive attitude indicated that China and Pakistan were destined not to be close allies. Their relations improved primarily as a result of the dispute between India and China. The USA was keen to support India in any stand it made against Communist China, which consequently pushed China and Pakistan into a closer relationship. Also, China supports Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir while Pakistan backs up China on the issues of Xinjiang, Tibet, and Taiwan.
Without giving a second thought, Pakistan has selflessly served in bridging the communication gap between China and the West. This is indicated by the 1972 President Richard Nixon’s visit to China, which was an important step towards formally normalizing the relations between the Unites States of America and People’s Republic of China; it was the first time when a US president had visited the PRC, bringing an end to a quarter of the century’s separation between the two countries.
The conterminous countries already have an ongoing free trade agreement. Furthermore, China’s cooperation with Pakistan has reached economic high points, resulting in substantial Chinese investment in Pakistani infrastructural expansion. This includes the construction of Pakistani deep-water port at Gwadar. China has also supplied equipment to support Pakistan’s nuclear programme.
Apart from the aforementioned diplomatic and economic relations, people living across the border keep high regard and love for each other. This is shown by the liking for each other’s civilizations, cultures, traditions, festivals, cuisines, and artifacts. Several delegations convey the message of friendship and affection by visiting the opposite side of the border and appreciating their customs. The catchy song about Pak-China friendship is undoubtedly unforgettable like the bond itself, “Pak-Cheen dosti wong woye, wong woye, wong woye, wong woye,” ‘wong woye’ being the Chinese equivalent of the Urdu word ‘zindabad’ (long live).
