KARACHI: Diplomatic observers attach considerable significance to the official visit of the Pakistani Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, 10 China, his second in less than two years.
Sharif himself had said before leaving on Oct.6, that he was looking forward to a constructive and result-oriented visit.
He is sure 10 discuss bilateral, regional and international matters with Chinese leaders, On larger international matters, exchange of views can only be considered exploratory. Pakistan doubtless, would want to hear from Chinese authorities the general secretary, Jian Zemin, the president, the Yang Shangkun, and the premier, Li Peng -the Chinese government’s perspective on the current flux in Asia.
There is a great unease over the U.S. dominated new world order after the end of the cold war and the emergence of a unipolar world in which economic and political realities do not coincide.
As far as regional matters are concemed, Pakistanis have long depended on Chinese support vis-a-vis their disputes with India, particularly the one over Kashmir. Traditionally Chinese support has been emotionally most satisfying to Pakistanis, though its limitations have also been known. Sharif is sure to brief the Chinese leaders on the latest developments in Kashmir and the current deadlock in South Asia resulting from a further deterioration in the Indo-Pakistan ties. Islamabad would wish to ascertain the parameters of China’s stand on Kashmir,
As for bilateral ties, the two premiers will have a heavy agenda before them As the Chinese Prime Minister has said the current level of cooperation is scheduled to be expanded as well as deepened. From the Pakistani side, two subjects are of highest importance to make sure that agreed deal on 300 MW nuclear reactor goes through without further hitches. The second question concerns further bilateral cooperation in the military field, doubtless implying more Chinese aid for Pakistan especially in technology transfers. The ongoing agreements on scientific and technical cooperation would probably be expanded. The rest would be an examination of possibilities of more cooperation in the economic and trade spheres.
On all these subjects the outlook seems to be upbeat, The only cloud on the horizon is the US stance on nuclear matters that implies varying degrees and kinds of US pressure on the Chinese over its nuclear deal with Pakistan.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 23, 1992
