Beijing, 10 March 2022 (TDI): Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, held a telephone exchange with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
The two sides deliberated upon bilateral ties. During the talk, both sides expounded views on regional and global situations. However, the telephonic exchange took place on March 9.
Pak-China Bilateral Relationship
It is pertinent to note that the Chinese Foreign Minister offered condolences on the recent terrorist attack in Pakistan. As a result, Wang Yi expressed China’s support for Pakistan’s fight against terrorism to ensure stability and national security in the region.
Further, the Chinese Foreign Minister also highlighted the recent visit of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, to China to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics.
During this visit, leaders of both states held in-depth discussions regarding strategic issues. Moreover, both leaders drew a framework for futuristic bilateral relationships. Indeed, mutual trust and cooperation are vital to coping with regional and global changes.
During the talk, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan congratulated his Chinese counterpart for upholding the successful Olympic Winter Games. Similarly, he stated that the Pak-China friendship is a crucial part of the foreign policy of Pakistan.
In addition to that, this relationship is responsible for maintaining peace and stability in the region. As a result, he stated that Pakistan is focusing to deepen the bilateral ties and also protect the common interests.
Global and Regional Issues
In the context of the Ukraine situation, the Chinese Foreign Minister presented China’s principled stance. It is pertinent to note that China has expounded five-point formula to resolve the Russia and Ukraine conflict. Along these lines, it has also provided a six-point initiative to deal with the humanitarian crisis of Ukraine.
Accordingly, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan called on Russia and Ukraine to adopt a diplomatic pathway. In addition to that, Shah Mahmood Qureshi urged both sides to strive for de-escalation of the situation. However, Pakistan has adopted a neutral status to resolve the Ukraine Crisis.
Similarly, Chinese Pakistani Foreign Ministers exchanged views on the Afghanistan issue. However, both sides agreed to buildup coordination and communication for reconstruction and peace in Afghanistan. Eventually, the sides reaffirmed to leverage the role and uniquely strengthens of neighboring countries for stability in the region.
Considering the current state of events, China advocates the’ Afghan-led and Afghan-owned formula for the reconstruction phase of Afghanistan. Apart from it, China respects the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and core interests of Afghanistan. Moreover, it persuades the policy of non-interference in Afghanistan.
Like-wise, Pakistan has highlighted a diplomacy and dialogue framework for durable peace in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Chinese Pakistani Foreign Ministers had stressed unfreezing the Afghan assets as well.
What is the Russia-Ukraine Conflict?
On 24th February, Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine at the behest of its Security Council that convened a day before.
Before this, a day before, Russia also recognized the Republics of the Luhansk and Donetsk, much to the West’s chagrin. The Donetsk and Luhansk are a part of the Donbas region that is pro-Russia territory.
One of the main issues of contention between Russia and the EU/US is NATO’s beefed-up defenses in northeastern Europe and Ukraine’s intent to join NATO. A series of negotiations were held between Russian and Western counterparts to avert escalation. Though, that indelibly failed.
According to Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s stance regarding Ukraine is a matter of principle. In this context, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that if attempts to come to terms on mutually acceptable principles fail, Russia will adopt an appropriate response.
Au contraire, the Ukrainian authorities had been alerting the world about a possible invasion. Throughout 2021 and 2022, Russia and the West had been engaged in a diplomatic tussle related to Ukraine.
Consequently, tensions escalated between the two countries and led to strained bilateral relations. Moreover, despite the United States and EU sending strong messages to warn Russia, the threat of economic isolation couldn’t deter Russia to compromise on what it considers its national interest.
