Pakistan's efforts in war on terror should be recognized: China

In a fresh bid to support Pakistan, China today urged the international community to recognize efforts of Pakistan in the war on terror. China has been one of the most trusted and close friends of Pakistan and has always stood with the country in the most testing of times. Pakistan had also been a frontline ally of the United States on the war on terror, but Salala incident in November last year deteriorated relations of both the countries. Around 24 Pakistan army soldiers were killed, while dozens others received critical injuries when the US gunship helicopters pounded on a Pakistani military outpost.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi is visiting Pakistan along with some other intelligence officials at a time when relations between the United States and Pakistan stand at the lowest ebb. Without naming the strain in the relations, Mr. Yang said that Pakistan should improve relations with the world powers. The foreign minister on Wednesday also held a detailed meeting with his Pakistani counterpart, Hina Rabbani Khar, besides Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and President Asif Ali Zardari. He is also likely to have a meeting with Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Thursday.

Hinting at the United States, the Chinese foreign minister said the world powers should recognize sacrifices of Pakistan rendered in the war against terrorism. He said that China stands behind Pakistan, but at the same time he advised Pakistani officials to avoid confrontation with the United States. Mr. Yang said that Pakistan can do more in the war on terror if it is supported by the international community and sacrifices of the country are acknowledged.

It is also believed that China desires for an early departure of the US troops from violence-wracked Afghanistan. The country thinks that as soon as the US pulls out its troops from Afghanistan, it will be better for security and stability of the region. On the other hand, many observers believe that one purpose of the US behind invading Afghanistan in October 2001 was to keep a watchful eye on China. In the fields of technology, China is already giving a tough time to scientists of the US and other western countries.

At a time when relations between the US and Pakistan do not appear to be thawing, China has come out in support of Pakistan. The strategic partnership between Pakistan and China has a long history and it is expected that China can play a vital role in salvaging the battered economy of Pakistan. Observers also opine that China can also bring Pakistan and the US to a negotiating table and help resolve differences between both the countries.