1. A report “The Limits of the Pak–China Alliance” by Lisa Curtis and Derek Scissors.D by Heritage Foundation on 19 Jan, 2012 highlights that after the U.S. raid on OBL’s compound, Pak political leaders played up their country’s relations with China, touting Beijing as an alternative partner to Washington. But China’s concerns over Pak’s future stability will likely limit the extent to which it will help Pak out of its eco difficulties.
2. The report discusses Long-Standing ties between China and Pakistan, their Nuclear and Ballistic Missile Cooperation, Economic Relationship, trade and China’s rising concerns about Terrorism.
3. The report also suggests following Dos and Don’ts for US policy with regard to China and Pakistan:
i. Pursue U.S. counterterrorism policies directed at Pakistan without worrying about the policies’ impact on Pakistani–Chinese relations.
ii. Enhance dialogue with China on Pakistan’s future prospects for stability, including ways to dampen extremist trends in Pakistani society and to reduce terrorist recruitment.
iii. Initiate discussions with Beijing about U.S. and Chinese investment and trade with Pakistan that would contribute to its stability.
iv. Include China in some multilateral approaches to Pakistan’s economic challenges and coordinate with China on bilateral assistance.
v. Discourage China’s sale of new nuclear reactors to Pakistan, citing concerns over proliferation.
4. The report concludes that China has an interest in maintaining strong security ties with Pakistan, the economic relationship is not very extensive and the notion that Chinese ties could serve as a replacement for U.S. ties is far-fetched. Instead of wringing its hands over Chinese influence on Pakistan, the U.S. should seek cooperation from Beijing in encouraging a more stable and prosperous Pakistan—which will benefit all parties involved.
5. Another report “How Pak’s Unstable Tribal Areas Threaten China’s Core Interests” by Dr. Christina Lin, by International Relations and Security Network (ISN) in January 2012 highlights political, economic, and military dimensions of FATA-based militants' threats to China's core interests and increasing Chinese Turkisan-ization of ALQ. With a Chinese Uyghur appointed as ALQ's top commander of its forces in Pakistan as well as the leader of Turkistani Islamic Party (TIP), China is now in the sights of both TIP and ALQ that threatens to destabilize Xinjiang if Islamabad fails to control its militants.
6. The writer reveals that if Pak continued its lax attitude towards FATA militants and attacks on Chinese soil increased in severity and frequency, Beijing would likely see this as a continuous threat to national sovereignty/territorial integrity. China already appears to be taking several courses of action to redress this problem i.e, Increased PLA presence in Pakistan, Slowing future Chinese investments in Pakistan.
7. The report concludes that in light of recent U.S/NATO-Pak fallout, Islamabad is trying to play the China card and their “all weather friend” as an alternative to the US. However, upon closer scrutiny, Chinese aid pales in comparison to U.S. aid and is not a feasible replacement in the near or medium term. Nor does Beijing want to take on the U.S. burden.
8. China has long contributed to UN peacekeeping missions overseas, but this is the first time it will carry out sustained operations in another country without a UN mandate. By deploying more than 300 armed police to the lawless triple-border area of the Golden Triangle (Laos, Thailand and Burma) in a joint patrol, coupled with its new domestic anti-terror laws to pave way for military intervention abroad, this may be an indicator of how China will address TIP militants in FATA to safeguard its growing economic interests if Pakistan fails to control its militants.
9. Third report by The Nation dated 29 jan 12 "Indian Army Chief on Sino-Pak nuclear cooperation". Says
LONDON – Indian Army Chief General VK Singh in a report has expressed his grave concern over Pakistan-China atomic cooperation and joint military preparations. In a detailed report submitted to Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and President Pratibha Patil, Gen VK Singh has made a special mention of Pakistan Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani’s recent visit to China. This confidential report, pertaining to Afghanistan, says that Pakistan’s spy network is well-rooted and working efficiently in the neighbouring war-torn country. This network is also enjoying a strong support of local Taliban, due to which, India facing great difficulties in getting a foothold in the area.
Perceptors Expert Comments on above reports:
As the US exit strategy closes by, the region surrounded by China, Russia, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan start getting a special focus by different analysts and think tanks. This is same old area of economic interest referred as, ’THE GREAT GAME’ region. All analysts and think tanks agree that no solution to peace and trade in this area is possible without Pakistan which is geographically located as a bridge in this part of the world. The economic issues like routes and gas pipelines are being discussed. The above studies show the importance of Pakistan and China on one end and moves of an interested group to create wedge between the two. The future of this region lies in close economic and strategic relationship between Pakistan and China along with other stake holders. Peaceful and secure region will ultimately benefit the globe.
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