China-Pakistan Relations

[A1Kaid]

Pakistan, China to enhance military cooperation

Sunday 17 Jan 2010


Islamabad, Jan 17 : Pakistan and China have inked an agreement for further strengthening defence production, staging joint military exercises and training military officers.

Quoting sources, Online news agency reported Sunday the agreement was signed during the visit here of Chinese Deputy Chief of General Staff Gen. Ma Xiaotian.

Under the agreement, Pakistan and China have agreed that both countries would work jointly for strategic stability in the region and to enhance cooperation between institutions of defence production, the sources said.

It was also agreed that both countries would also ensure the implementation of memorandums of understanding signed in the past on the supply of latest planes and ships and any obstacles in the way would be removed through talks.

The sources further said that both countries agreed on the training of soldiers and frequent visits of senior military officers and contacts between them, adding that the agreement will have far-reaching impact on the relations between the two countries.

Pakistan-China relations began in 1950 when this country was among the first to break ties with Taiwan and recognise the People's Republic of China.

Following the Sino-Indian hostilities of 1962, Pakistan's relations with China became stronger. Since then, the two countries have regularly exchanged high-level visits, resulting in a variety of agreements.

The relationship has been described by Chinese President Hu Jintao as "higher than the mountains and deeper than the oceans".

Of late, military cooperation has deepened with joint projects producing armaments ranging from fighter jets to guided missile frigates.

Copyright Indo Asian News

Source: Pakistan, China to enhance military cooperation

[Neo]

Pakistan, China sign MoU to increase economic cooperation

Saturday, January 30, 2010

KARACHI: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the China Council for Promotion of International Trade, Sichuan Council (CCIPT Sichuan Council) have signed a memorandum of understanding to foster trade between the two countries.

The trade between the two friendly countries, which has potential of reaching $15 billion in two years, needs calibrated efforts to reap the potential available.

The objective of signing the MoU is to establish close economic cooperation between Pakistan and western Chinese province of Sichuan, which will further help expansion of economic co-operation between the enterprises.

Under the MoU, both the organisations will undertake such activities which will foster the process of economic cooperation between China and Pakistan, including annual meeting of the representatives in Pakistan and China (Sichuan).

The two chambers will also assist in visits of commercial and economic delegations, exchange market information on existing laws and regulations pertaining to foreign trade and establishment of joint ventures in mutually interested areas for fostering bilateral investment.

Both organisations shall assist the enterprises/organisations in their respective countries to participate in international forum on joint basis, organize/participate in national exhibitions, international fairs, specialized exhibitions, economic and technical fairs, information bureaus, symposia, conference or similar events taking place in their respective countries and form a joint Business Council, aiming at promotion of bilateral economic relations.

The MoU was signed on Jan 29 by Tariq Sayeed former President of FPCCI and Li Gang, Chairman, CCIPT Sichuan Council on behalf of their respective organisations, said a press release issued here on Friday.

[Neo]

Expanding ties with China key objective: Zardari

Monday, 08 Feb, 2010

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday said that he wants to take the Pak-China bilateral trade and commercial ties to new heights.

He said that the two countries are not only friends but natural allies in the economic growth of the region.

Talking to a Chinese delegation led by the Vice Governor of the Sichuan Province, Zardari reiterated that strengthening and expanding cooperation with China in all fields was one of the key objectives of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

He invited the leading Sichuan business corporations to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

The President also urged for youth exchange and institutional links between the universities in Pakistan and Sichuan Province to further promote Pak-China friendship in the fields of Education and culture.

Lue Zhouhui, Chinese ambassador in Pakistan was also present in the meeting of the 8-member Chinese delegation with the President.

The meeting was also attended by Saleem H. Mandviwala, Chairman Board of Investment and federal Secretaries of commerce, industries, and BOI besides other senior officials.

[Neo]

Pakistan, China agree on expanding bilateral relations

BEIJING: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jeichi on Monday expressed satisfaction at the current state of Pak-China strategic cooperation and agreed to further expand bilateral cooperation.

Qureshi, who is currently visiting China, held formal talks with his Chinese counterpart at the Chinese Foreign Ministry. During the meeting, the two sides discussed and reviewed bilateral, regional and international issues.

The Pakistani FM referred to China as Pakistan’s “time-tested and all-weather friend” and emphasised the fact that relations with China remain the cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy. He said the exchange of high-level visits demonstrate the importance that the two sides attach to the relations between them, adding that President Zardari was looking forward to his visit to China later this year. Qureshi reiterated Pakistan’s unequivocal, unconditional and complete support to China on all issues including Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang.

He explained Pakistan’s perspective on its struggle against terrorism including the government’s multidimensional strategy to completely root out terrorism. He also briefed Yang on Pakistan’s perspective of the evolving regional situation, especially Pakistan’s efforts to develop friendly relations with India and the peaceful settlement of the Afghan conflict.

Chinese FM Yang hailed the unique trust and friendship characterising Pakistan-China relations. He said the further development of Sino-Pakistan relations remained an important priority of the Chinese neighbourhood policy. He agreed on the need to further expand bilateral economic and trade relations, and said that China would encourage competent Chinese enterprises to invest in Pakistan. He welcomed the development of a comprehensive institutional framework for the further development of Pakistan-China economic and trade relations. app

[Neo]

Pak-China relations to strengthen further

Wednesday, 28 Apr, 2010

THIMPU: China’s Vice Foreign Minister, Wang Guangya, said China supports Pakistan’s efforts aimed at creating normal and peaceful relations with India.

He said it was incumbent upon the international community to stand by Pakistan and extend full support to the Pakistani government in its counterterrorism strategy.

During a meeting held on the sidelines of the 16th SAARC Summit at Thimphu, Pakistan and China agreed on the joint celebration of the 60th anniversary of Sino-Pak relations next year.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the exchange of high level visits between the two countries being planned this year would give further momentum to this upward bilateral trajectory.

Qureshi maintained that to enhance people-to-people contact, it was necessary that more opportunities were created for the youth of the two countries especially in the education sector.

He added that Pakistan could benefit from China’s tremendous achievements in its education system and it would be useful if more students could get higher education in China either on scholarship or on self finance basis.

Qureshi briefed the Chinese Foreign Minister about developments in Pakistan-India relations underlining that it was imperative for the two countries to get back to the negotiating table and resolve all their bilateral disputes.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister said his country would explore all possible avenues to encourage Pakistani students to come to China and benefit from their education facilities.

The Chinese envoy also assured that Pak-China relations would continue to strengthen regardless of any regional or global developments.

Wang Guangya assured that China would always be supporting Pakistan on important regional and international issues.

He said China was keenly looking forward to a working visit by President Asif Ali Zardari to China this year. — DawnNews

http://www.dawn.com/wps/wcm/connect/...ina-ties-qs-06

[Neo]

Pak-China friendship

EDITORIAL (May 27 2010): In the fullness of time, the visit here by a high-powered Chinese defence team, over the weekend, would be recalled as the beginning of the second, upgraded phase of the Pak-China strategic relationship. No doubt today Pakistan is mired deep in multi-dimensional crises; of course, some of it are of its own making, but largely a product of continuing instability on its western border and a hostile neighbour in the east.

Its economy is on the brink, as energy shortages have crippled industrial activity and relentless terrorism tends to erode the writ of the government. But in the north is China, Pakistan's all-weather and time-tested friend, to which Pakistan looks as 'a factor of stability in the region'. And then, it is a new China, a strategic major power which is fast acquiring global economic clout and capacity.

This friend of Pakistan is ready, as always, to help this country in as many ways as required: defence, energy, trade, agriculture and communications. In February 1999, on arrival here, the then Defence Minister of China, General Chi Haotian had said: "The force of the wind tests the strength of the grass and time reveals a person's heart". This Monday, Defence Minister General Liang Guanglie was here to tell the Pakistani leadership that China is with Pakistan through its difficult times.

During the visit, the Chinese defence team signed a number of MoUs mainly focused at strengthening defence co-operation. But the two sides also exchanged their respective perspectives on the regional situation, particularly in the context of the growing menace of international terrorism and decided to share intelligence and create better equipped anti-terrorism manpower. One of the MoUs aims at enhancing Pakistan's capabilities to fight terrorism.

No wonder, Prime Minister Gilani told the guests that the government has "concrete evidence" of the involvement of Indian intelligence agencies in terrorist incidents. May be it is in this context that the personal safety and security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan was also discussed. Given that the Chinese visit was basically defence cooperation-oriented, we did not hear any direct comment on the growing cooperation between China and Pakistan in civilian nuclear power generation.

But since the President Obama-hosted nuclear summit in Washington in April, reports have surfaced that the Chinese companies would build two 650-megawatt reactors at Chashma - where one 330-megawatt reactor, supplied by China, is already in operation and the second of same capacity is expected to come on stream next year. Perhaps, China would like to help Pakistan develop its civilian nuclear potential by agreeing to sign an agreement like the one United States has with India.

Paradoxically, the volume of trade between Pakistan and China isn't commensurate with the close political and strategic relationship between them. For various reasons the progress in trade and business sectors has lagged behind and apparently it seems frozen in some old rut. President Zardari, who has paid some half a dozen visits to various Chinese industrial and commercial centres since coming to his present office, believes that the potential for growth is there for exploitation.

So he has urged the government to jack up the current level of bilateral trade to 1.5 billion dollars by 2011. This may appear to be a tall order, but given China's growing international stature, both as a political and economic power, and its enduring friendship with Pakistan this indeed is a realisable dream. More so now that the two of them enter the second phase of the strategic friendship.

Business Recorder [Pakistan's First Financial Daily]

[Neo]

Pakistan, China vow to strengthen strategic ties

* Both countries sign deals of cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, justice, media, economy, technology
* Zardari says Pakistan will create secure environment for Chinese firms

BEIJING: Pakistan and China on Wednesday reaffirmed to strengthen strategic relationship between the two countries, increase the level of economic cooperation and take concrete measures to further bring their people closer.

The two countries pledged to make joint efforts to fight terrorism, and signed six deals of cooperation in the areas of agriculture, healthcare, justice, media, economy and technology. Chinese President Hu Jintao and President Asif Ali Zardari witnessed the signing of the deals. During the two-hour-long talks before the signing ceremony, Jintao and Zardari also vowed to fight the “three forces” of extremism, separatism and terrorism jointly.

“China and Pakistan are both victims of terrorism and cooperation between the two countries in fighting the ‘three forces’ complies with the interests of people of both the countries and is conducive to peace, stability and security in the region,” Jintao added.

“China is a friend and a strategic partner, committed to the promotion of stability and economic progress of Pakistan” is how Jintao summed up the strategic relations.

Zardari responded by saying, “It is our belief that Pakistan can act as a force multiplier for China and we will continue to work towards this end.” The president’s spokesman Farhatullah Babar said the two leaders discussed a host of issues relating to strategic partnership, reviewing the steps taken thus far and also charting a future course of action.

Militancy: Jintao reaffirmed his country’s support to Pakistan in its fight against militancy, saying China appreciated the struggle of the people and the government of Pakistan against terrorists.

On trade cooperation, Jintao said China would explore new ways to cooperate as well as cement cooperation between the two countries in areas such as energy, transportation, telecommunication, infrastructure and agriculture.

He appreciated the Pakistan government’s efforts to safeguard the security of Chinese nationals and organisations in Pakistan, while Zardari said Pakistan would create a secure environment for Chinese firms in his country. Welcoming Zardari, the Chinese president said he had directed his foreign minister to take steps for the exchange of youth, cultural and writers’ delegations between the two countries and also increasing scholarships for young Pakistanis to study in China.

He said the Chinese government was determined to making the relationship “more vibrant”. He added that China valued Pakistan’s support on regional and international forums. Jintao said China would continue to maintain contact with Pakistan on issues such as the reform of the UN Security Council and climate change in order to ensure common interests of the developing countries. Minister of State for Finance Hina Rabbani Khar signed an agreement on economic and technical cooperation on the occasion. app

Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan

[mathewpollard]

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[Lady Macbeth]

Originally Posted by mathewpollard

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Whole Sale Defence Deals: Pakistan and China


Pakistan has looked towards its tradition ally after being bashed by the United States for its defense needs in 1965 and Pak-China defense & economic relationship never looked back. Current visit pf the Pakistani Minister was a great success by all means as Pakistan was able to not only pursue China to stand by it in these difficult times but also agreed on number of pending defense deals.

Gawadar Port:

China has agreed to take over the operations of Gawadar Port in Pakistan at the request of the federal government after the agreement with the Singapore Port Authority expires. Pakistani Defense Minister, Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar has announced in front of local media that Pakistan asked for Chinese in number of fields and China was immediately ready to help Pakistan in any way possible.

Type 054A Jiangkai Stealth Frigate:

Pakistani Defense Minister, Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar has said that China has also agreed to provide loan for the purchase of the Chinese 4400 ton frigate. This agreement will clear the financial problems of the Pakistan Navy and it will be able to purchase new generation stealth Type 054A Jiangkai II Multi-Role frigate which is equipped with the HQ-16 Medium-Range Air Defence Missiles.

Chinese HQ-16 Surface to Air missile have range of over 50 kilometers launched from 32 vertical launch system (VLS) and is far more superior then the FM-90N surface-to-air missile (SAM) used on the F-22P Zulfiquar class frigate. Frigate will also use 8 C-802A or C-803 antiship missiles which have range in excess of 180km. Type 054A Jiangkai II frigate is designed with stealth features, including sloped hull design, radar.

Submarines:
Pakistan and China has also agreed to provide training to the personal of the Pakistan Navy on the Chinese submarines. Pakistani and China has already agreed earlier this year to jointly development and co-production of diesel electric submarines fitted with the Air Independent Propulsion to meet Pakistan Navy’s long standing requirement of six new generation of submarines.

Unconfirmed news from Indian sources also suggest that Pakistan and China has also discussed the possibility of leasing a Chinese nuclear powered attack submarine SSN to Pakistan Navy for limited time period. Pakistan Navy has shown interest in leasing of SSN after the Indian leasing of SSN from Russia and construction of nuclear powered submarine armed with submarine launched ballistic missiles with Russian help.

New Naval Base:

Pakistani defence minister has also said that Pakistan has requested China to construct a naval base for Pakistan at the site of Gwader. This would be the third main naval base for the Pakistan navy.

JF-17 Thunders:

Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has also asked Chinese counterpart to pursue PLAAF (Peoples Liberation Army Air Force) to induct JF-17 Thunder fighter jets in their air fleet. He said that this will bring lot of publicity for JF-17 Thunder which will be good for exports and further decrease the cost. Pakistan and China has also agreed on the co-production of second batch of the JF-17 thunder aircraft for the Pakistan air force with advance avionics.

FC-20 Fighter Jets:

Pakistani Defense Minister, Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar has confirmed that Chinese friends have agreed to the Pakistani request to provide FC-20 fighter jet to the Pakistan air force.

FC-20 is an export version of the Chinese J-10 is a multirole fighter jet which was developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation (CAC) for the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). J-10 was first time promoted to the Pakistan in 2006 during the visit of then President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf who was allowed to sit in the cockpits of J-10. This made home the first foreign head of state to see the aircraft even before its existence was officially recognized.

On 12 April 2006 the Pakistani federal cabinet allowed Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to start negotiations for the initial purchase of 36 J-10s under designations of FC-20. Since then Pakistan air force has requested our Chinese friends to develop an improved version to meet the Pakistani requirements of high end front line fighter jet.

In 2009, Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mehmood Ahmed, then Chief of the Air Staff of the PAF confirmed the Pakistani interest in purchase of atlease two squadrons of FC-20 in initial phase.


Not sure about the sources for the above.......