CPEC: what does China think?

Mr Liu Jianchao, minister of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party (IDCCP) and member of the Central Committee of Communist Party, came to Pakistan on a three-day visit last month. Apart from being an experienced diplomat and politician, he is also considered one of the most important leaders in the CCP.

The main purpose of his visit to Pakistan was as a follow-up of matters decided during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China. Besides his official engagement, he also wanted to meet people outside of the government.

At the start of the Chinese minister’s visit, H E Jiang Xiaodong, a seasoned diplomat and current Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, had arranged a dinner with Mr Liu. From the Pakistani side, the dinner was attended by Senator Salim Mandviwala, Dr Maleeha Lodhi, Sohail Mehmood (former foreign secretary), Naghmana Hashmi (former ambassador to China), Dr Zafar Nawaz Jaspal and yours truly.

Since it was an informal engagement, there was plenty of time for detailed and in-depth discussion on issues of common interests. In addition, unlike other diplomats, Mr Liu was speaking openly and so the meeting was very enjoyable. We had an opportunity to understand the Chinese position on many issues. In a cordial environment, we listened to them and they listened to us.

Although the main topics of our discussion were CPEC and China-Pakistan bilateral relations, China’s relations with America, Russia and Europe were also discussed. The conversation made it clear that the Chinese do not think on the lines we were using to debate. For instance, Pakistanis are worried about the tension between America and China, but the Chinese themselves are very satisfied and well prepared.

Mr Liu said that China’s motto is not victory but success. He further explained that in victory you think of dominating others while in success you only think of your own success. China is not striving for victory but for success. Similarly, regarding the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), he said that China moves forward for shared prosperity and this aspect is a top priority of its relations with other countries.

Those from our side talked in a diplomatic manner and gave very good suggestions and asked insightful questions. I, however, limited myself to asking rather blunt questions. I told the Chinese minister that earlier propaganda against CPEC used to come from the outside but now there is an impression from within that China is irritated with the CPEC implementation, bureaucratic inefficiencies and obstacles in Pakistan. I added that Pakistani speed does not match China’s speed and there are security issues as well. That is why it seems there could be the propagation of an impression in China that CPEC should be rolled back or put in cold storage. That is why the work on the second phase of the CPEC is not being started. I asked for his input on this.

Mr Liu continued to smile as I asked these questions and then denied any such idea of CPEC being rolled back. He categorically stated that there was no second thought in China on CPEC. Per him, there is a single thought in China: Pakistan is an all-weather tested and trusted friend. He said that Pakistan is being discussed in China in three respects: as a trusted friend and strategic partner; due to the unsatisfactory security situation; and that investment in Pakistan is somehow risky business. Despite all these facts, he said, China has launched CPEC and will carry out this project by all means. The minister said that while there were difficulties, China knows from where these problems are being created. Despite them, China has started CPEC and will complete it with the same spirit. There is no question of withdrawing from CPEC or Pakistan.

He further elaborated that on the one hand, Pakistan is not just a friend but a strategic partner, while on the other hand, CPEC is the flagship project of the BRI. Both countries are trying to overcome the hurdles and problems. He informed us that they had also formed a task force which would visit Pakistan soon to enhance cooperation with Pakistan on Phase-II of CPEC. He hinted that China’s development is due to political stability — probably pointing out that Pakistan also needs political stability for development.

On the issue of the US, the Chinese minister said that Russia and China have good understanding and Beijing has good relations with a large number of developing and ASEAN countries as well. He noted that some countries in Europe also want to break away from American influence.

These were the main points of my discussion with Mr Liu but the impression I got from the three-hour long meeting is that the Chinese are committed to completing CPEC with the same spirit as when it was launched. For the Chinese, CPEC is not only a flagship project of the BRI but also a strategic project of the game-changer initiative. Being a strategic partner, they do not want to leave Pakistan alone. However, they do not like the politics that is being done on the issue of CPEC in Pakistan. They want to see CPEC as a project of Pakistan and not of any single party. Similarly, they are also fed up with the bureaucratic culture of Pakistan.

The security situation is also a major concern for the Chinese. Similarly, they are worried about the political instability in Pakistan. However, this does not mean that they are thinking of revising CPEC or their relations with Pakistan. Like a sincere friend, China’s only issue is it wants CPEC to be completed with the same speed that China is known for. They want Pakistan to adopt the same pace as China has adopted for industrial development. But there is no question of giving up on CPEC or Pakistan. China considers Pakistan an iron brother, trusted friend, all-weather tested ally and a strategic partner and this friendship and brotherhood will further strengthen with each passing day.

The writer works for Geo TV. Email: saleem.safi@janggroup.com.pk