Pakistan PM Shahbaz Sharif reiterates support for “one China” policy amid Taiwan tension
Pakistan on Thursday reiterated its support to China on the sensitive Taiwan issue
Published Date – 06:40 AM, Fri – 28 Apr 23
Islamabad: Pakistan on Thursday reiterated its support for China on the sensitive Taiwan issue as Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif spoke to his Chinese counterpart Li Qiang in their first contact since taking office in March.
Shahbaz congratulated Li and reiterated Pakistan’s “unshakable” support for Beijing’s “One-China” policy as well as over Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea, The Express Tribune newspaper quoted an official statement as saying. Said.
“As an everlasting companion and close friend, Pakistan Appreciated China’s peaceful development as a positive factor of international peace and stability, and is confident that China will continue to achieve milestones in its journey of modernization and rejuvenation,” the Pakistani prime minister said.
The Pakistani prime minister also thanked his Chinese counterpart for China’s “principled position” on the disputed Jammu and Kashmir issue.
Lee, for his part, praised Pakistan’s support for ” China and reaffirmed his country’s continued support for Pakistan’s national development, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Chinese Prime Minister said, ‘China will always stand with Pakistan.’
Beijing views self-ruled Taiwan as its territory and criticizes high-level meetings between Taiwanese and foreign leaders.
China recently conducted military exercises around Taiwan Following its chairmanship, Tsai Ing-wen met with Kevin McCarthy, the speaker of the US House of Representatives, in Los Angeles.
In addition to political and military support, China has supported Pakistan economically, extending earlier loans and approving new financial packages.
Recalling Prime Minister Sharif’s visit to China in November last year and extensive talks with President Xi Jinping and the Chinese leadership, the two leaders took stock of bilateral cooperation in key areas including the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, The Nation newspaper reported.
Pakistan is under severe stress due to low foreign reserves and high inflation.
Interestingly, the telephonic conversation between the premiers took place when Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir is currently on his maiden visit to China, where experts viewed the visit against the backdrop of significant geo-strategic developments in the region and beyond. deemed important.
The Army Chief’s visit to China is being closely followed by Western diplomats in Islamabad as it will decide Pakistan’s future strategy in the wake of rising tensions between Beijing and Washington.
Pakistan has tried to maintain balance in its relations with major powers but many observers believe that eventually the country may have to take sides.
Haroon Sharif, former chairman of the Board of Investments, who has worked with the Chinese in the past, is of the view that with USD 30 billion of bilateral loans and future stakes, Pakistan cannot turn its back on China.
Sharif said the US realized this after using the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program as leverage on Pakistan.
However, observers believe that China will not give free aid to Pakistan as it is concerned about certain issues, including the safety of Chinese citizens and the stuck money of Chinese-run power projects in the country.
Above all, China is worried about the increasing political instability in Pakistan.
Both sides also agreed to enhance their cooperation in all areas to achieve the common objectives of benefiting the peoples of their countries and contributing to regional peace, prosperity and stability.