Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang, the “special guest” at Pakistan's Independence Day celebration, said on Monday that the two countries have always stood by each other and their friendship was “stronger than steel”. Wang, in his Independence Day address in Islamabad, said with Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi by his side:
We have forged an all-weather friendship that is higher than mountains, deeper than oceans, stronger than steel and sweeter than honey, and engaged in all-round cooperation, setting a shining example of friendly state-to-state relations.
China’s Aim to Enhance Ties With “All-Weather” Ally
Wang, a member of the Politburo of the Central Committee of China’s ruling Communist Party, also added that China is ready to enhance all-round strategic cooperation and economic ties with its “all-weather” ally Pakistan. Referring to the pet project of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Wang said:
China sees Pakistan as an important partner in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Wang said the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would enhance Pakistan’s capacity for independent development and deliver tangible benefits to the people along the route and all the people in Pakistan.
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India has opposed the CPEC as it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Wang praised Sino-Pakistani ties, saying:
What we have between China and Pakistan is a friendship based on shared aspirations and tested in adversity. It will not only last a lifetime, but also be passed on from generation to generation.
The senior Chinese leader said, amidst the standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in the Doklam area:
No matter how the international environment may evolve and how China may grow, we will always be a good neighbour, a close friend, a trusted partner and a true brother for Pakistan.
China to Support Pak in Anti-Terror Fight
Wang is accompanying a high-level Chinese delegation and expected to sign a few bilateral agreements. He is also expected to inaugurate projects related to the CPEC – a part of the OBOR initiative.
He said China would support Pakistan’s efforts to pursue the fight against terrorism as per its national interest.
He also noted that over the past seven decades, the Pakistani people have “resolutely defended their national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity against hegemony, power politics and external interference,” achieving success in safeguarding the country's core interests and national dignity.
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