The Peoples Republic of China has spoken. Like E.F. Hutton when China speaks the world listens. For decades Beijing has been following Deng Ziaoping’s version of “talk softly and carry a big stick”. Deng Ziaoping said “Keep a cool head and maintain a low profile. Never take the lead – but aim to do something big.” After decades of keeping quiet, the Chinese have spoken. It is important to note what is being said, and it is important to note when it was being set. The Chinese statement reflects popular Pakistani sentiment, and the Chinese Ambassador is saying it at the end of President Zardari’s routine trip to China every semester.
ISLAMABAD (Online) – Expressing concern over expansion of American embassy in the federal capital, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Luo Zhaohui has asked the US to expand the embassy keeping in view the security rules and regulation of Pakistan.
“China has concerns over expansion of US embassy in Islamabad and the United States should expand its embassy by materialising rules and regulations of Pakistan,” he said while addressing a news conference on Friday.
Responding to a question, he said China is against using the term Af-Pak for Pakistan, as it is a sovereign state which should not be compared with Afghanistan where the US and allied forces are battling against insurgency.
Answering to another question, the ambassador expressed satisfaction over security being given to the Chinese citizens in Pakistan saying, “We have no plan to deploy Chinese Army in our consulate.”
Commenting on relations between Pakistan and China, Luo Zhaohui referred to the collaboration with Pakistan in various fields and said his country would continue to assist its all weather friend to overcome the sugar and energy crises.
When asked about President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to China after every 3 months, he said the visit of Pakistani President was aimed to boost working relationship between the two countries.
When President Asif Ali Zardari would travel to China at an official visit, full protocol would be provided to him, he said, adding Pakistan and China have people to contact.
The Chinese statements are extremely important on several counts. The Chinese Ambassador is the only foreign ambassador in Pakistan that speaks Urdu. This speaks reams about the importance China attaches to Pakistan. The Chinese Ambassador has timed his pro-Pakistani comments at a time when tensions are really high with the Bharatis (aka Indians). While a group of Bharati Generals are in Beijing trying to prevent a war, the Pakistani president in China is signing dozens of MOUs to increase the people to people contact between the two countries.
China is also bitterly opposed the expansion of the G-4 into the United Nations Security Council. Beijing like Islamabad opposes the increase in the members of the UNSC which would carry a veto. China is supporting the 40 country United For Consensus group led by Pakistan, South Korea, Canada, Malta, and a host of Arab and Muslim countries.
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