Chinese soldiers have marched alongside their Pakistani counterparts in Islamabad for the first time ever, in what is being seen as a "historic" moment that underlines the growing military co-operation between the two Asian countries.
Members of the Chinese army, navy and air force on Thursday took part in a special military parade in Islamabad in celebration of the day when Muslims in British-ruled India began formally advocating for the creation of a separate country.
While Chinese troops have operated in Pakistan before, they have never previously taken part in a ceremonial parade, something diplomats and military experts said showed how keen China is to deepen its military co-operation with Pakistan. Mamnoon Hussain, Pakistan president, termed China's participation as a "historic event". "Both (China and Pakistan) wanted to send a powerful signal [with] troops marching side by side," said one diplomat.
Over the past decade, China has emerged as an increasingly important ally for Pakistan, both economically and militarily, with Pakistan concerned both by its weakening ties with the US and what it sees as the threat from its neighbour India.
China has a special place in Pakistan. China is widely seen as a symbol of reliability, a true friend
The trend began in 2007, when China helped Pakistan build the JF-17 "Thunder" jet. Since then China has built on its position as Pakistan's main supplier of military hardware. Earlier this month the Pakistan army announced it would use a Chinese-built LY-80 surface-to-air missile system. Beijing has also agreed to supply up to eight new submarines to the Pakistan navy by 2028, half of which will be built in Karachi.
Although the exact price of the submarine contract has not been revealed publicly, western officials said it was likely to be in the range of $4bn to $5bn — making it Pakistan's largest defence purchase ever. "China has a special place in Pakistan. China is widely seen as a symbol of reliability, a true friend," said Hasan Askari Rizvi, a commentator on defence and security affairs.
This status has been burnished by the fact that relations with the US have cooled over Pakistan's perceived links with Islamic militants in Afghanistan.
Former US president Barack Obama's administration withdrew financing to subsidise the sale of eight new F-16s to Pakistan, which Pakistani officials said would have played a key role in attacking militant sanctuaries along the country's border with Afghanistan.
"Our defence forces consider China to be trustworthy for the long term," said Farooq Hameed Khan, a former army commander and now commentator on military affairs.
Meanwhile, China sees the military alliance not only as a way to counteract Indian power in the region, but also as a chance to help secure its plans to build up to $55bn worth of infrastructure and energy projects in Pakistan.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor plans to link western China with the Gwadar port in southern Pakistan through railways, roads and energy supply pipelines.
One senior Pakistani foreign ministry official said after Thursday's parade: "China's massive investment commitment to Pakistan has also strengthened their commitment to our country's stability. China now has a much bigger stake in the security of Pakistan."
No hay comentarios.:
Publicar un comentario