China and Pakistan share an identical stance on the US-Iran crisis and support each other on all issues, be they domestic, regional or global. This aspect of friendship and harmony was even more visible in the recent US-Iran crisis.

China is following its policy of “Peaceful Development” not only within China, but also promoting it regionally and globally. The Belt and Road Initiative is also seen as a model for “Peace and Development”, under which China is promoting infrastructure development, connectivity, understanding and harmony among nations. Enhanced connectivity and improved infrastructure will increase people to people contact and provide an opportunity to understand each other in a much better way, and will remove some of the misunderstandings and create harmony among nations. Enhanced connectivity and mutual understanding will create more opportunities for trade, investment, and economic activities, paving the way for prosperity.

The Chinese philosophy of “Win-Win” cooperation is the basis of cooperation and guarantees long term friendship. “Peace and Harmony” is the foundation of Chinese philosophy and prevails in all aspects of Chinese policies.

During the current US-Iran crisis, China maintained a policy of non-escalation and asked both parties to refrain from any hostile actions. China is an old civilization and has seen many ups and downs in history and has now emerged as a very mature, responsible and wise state. China fully understands the repercussions of the US-Iran crisis, so it tried its best to avert any escalation.

Pakistan, being a close friend and next door neighbor, has also maintained a similar stance on the US-Iran crisis. Pakistan clarified its position that it cannot be a party to the US or Iran in the event of war. Pakistan called for “Peace” and offered to play any role to defuse tensions and negotiate any peace deal. Pakistan further clarified its position that its soil cannot be used against any other country.

In fact, Pakistan wrongly engaged in the Afghan war and consequently suffered a great deal. Society deteriorated, while extremism, intolerance, and terrorism were the gifts Pakistan received from the Afghan War. For the last 4 decades, we have been paying a heavy price for the Afghan War. Pakistan cannot afford another Afghanistan-like war at its borders. However, the immediate threat of war has been removed and all seems to be fine. But the root cause of tension is still there and can explode any time in the future. Under this scenario, there is even more need for cooperation between China and Pakistan to strengthen every dimension of our strategic friendship. We need to formulate a joint strategy to maintain “Peace and Stability” in the whole region. For economic activities, “Peace and Stability” is a pre-requisite.

Meanwhile, China and Pakistan are struggling for the eradication of extreme poverty and economic prosperity. Peaceful and stable environments are essential. The 7 decades of history between China-Pakistan have been full of trust and understanding, and on this foundation, we may further enhance the areas of collaboration, and the time-tested friendship may set up a unique “Model” of relationships in international affairs.

It is worth mentioning that the friendship between China and Pakistan is bilateral and we assist each other to meet national goals only. Our relations are no threat to any other country. As a matter of fact, both are promoting “Peace, Stability and Prosperity” for the whole world. 

The opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to People's Daily Online.

Zamir Ahmed Awan is a senior fellow with the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) and a sinologist at the National University of Sciences and Technology in Pakistan. E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com