Radiant 75-year journey of Pak-China friendship

THE “Iron Brothers,” Pakistan and China, are celebrating 75 years of a journey often described as higher than the Himalayas, sweeter than honey and deeper than the oceans. On October 1, 1949, the People’s Republic of China was born following the end of a long civil war. Since then, the country has undergone a staggering transformation, evolving through various stages to become the global economic powerhouse it is today. Mao Zedong is remembered as the architect of modern China. He played a monumental role in the nation’s progress, perhaps most notably by pulling his people out of the grip of opium addiction and transforming them into one of the most hardworking nations on Earth. It was from the gates of Tiananmen in the heart of Beijing that Chairman Mao declared the transition to a republic. Pakistan was the first country to recognize China’s new status and two years later, on May 21, 1951, formal diplomatic relations were established. Pakistan’s efforts were also central to China gaining its seat at the United Nations. While China now holds veto power in the Security Council, it was deprived of its rights for two decades due to Western opposition. October 25, 1971, remains a milestone in Chinese diplomatic history; it was the day the UN General Assembly voted by a huge majority to restore China’s privileges. This victory allowed China to become an effective voice for the protection of smaller, developing nations. Pakistan’s role in pulling China out of global isolation and helping it navigate international affairs cannot be ignored. In return, China has stood by Pakistan through every trial—from the 1965 war to Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsus. Their friendship has always been unconditional; China has never interfered in Pakistan’s internal matters. In fact, China has done more than any other country to help Pakistan become self-reliant in both defense and the economy. On the issue of Kashmir, China has consistently and clearly backed Pakistan’s long-standing principled