ISLAMABAD: Zheng Xiaosong, Vice Minister International Department of Communist Party of China has said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a passage of hope among two brotherly friendly neighboring countries. He was presenting a briefing on China’s recent policy initiatives here on Tuesday in presence of Gafoor Haideri, Deputy Chairman Senate and Mir Hasil Bizenjo Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping. Chairman Parliamentary Committee on CPEC Senator Mushahid Hussain was conducting the discussion.
Zheng Xiaosong said that Sino-Pak relations are based on friendship at all times, strategic and close bonds. Both countries will face challenges together. He said that China could never forget that Pakistan was among the first countries to recognise the Peoples Republic of China and the country would provide help which Pakistan needed. He appreciated the role Pakistan played against terrorist and extremist groups and reiterated that both countries jointly act against these groups along the border.
He said that though both countries were already connected through Silk Route, the CPEC project would further enhance connectivity. Zheng Xiaosong said that in CPEC, some progress had been achieved and a fleet of container cars had arrived at Gwadar Port, the first arrival since the CPEC project was launched. The fleet, departed from Kashgar. “Rome was not built in a day” he said.
He said that CPEC was a symbol of Sino-Pak friendship. “We have to make it a successful project,” he added. He said that the initiative of ‘One Belt One Road’ has the potential to help Pakistan and the region bolster their economy. He said that in Pakistan, some political parties may have different opinions on CPEC, but despite that, they should work together to make the project a success.
While responding to a question on President elect Trump’s policy towards China, he said that China will not compromise the policy of one China with the USA. “We have to learn from China’s rapid development and take Pakistan to new and glorious heights,” he said.
He said China stood with Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, and similarly, Pakistan stood with China on the Taiwan issue. He said other major powers were interested in Gwadar Port but Pakistan made agreements only with China. He said those countries now trying to disturb the project had created unrest in Balochistan. But the Pakistani people and the state together were fully equipped and dealt with this challenge effectively.
