Foreign Correspondence

[Amaunet]

Move: The United States gives Pakistan non-NATO ally status.

As a major non-NATO ally, Pakistan is eligible to buy depleted uranium ammunition, to have U.S.-owned military stockpiles on its territory outside U.S. bases and to receive U.S. military training on easier financial terms.

Pakistan borders on China.

Countermove: China is to provide a $12 million interest-free loan to Pakistan.

China loan to boost Pakistan army


China and Pakistan have a history of defence ties
China is to provide a $12 million interest-free loan to Pakistan, says the Chinese defence minister.
General Cao Gangchuan said the money would boost ties between the two countries' armed forces.

His Pakistani counterpart praised what he called China's invaluable assistance and said the two countries' friendship would weather international flux.

The US hailed Pakistan as a "major non-Nato ally" this week, provoking scorn from Pakistan's nuclear rival, India.

The US announcement will make it easier for Pakistan to make use of America's weaponry and military infrastructure.

China is a long-standing ally of Pakistan.

Pakistan has complained in the past about India's military dealings with Israel, which is fast becoming a major supplier of weapons technology to the regional superpower.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3562963.stm


Note: China will also work with Tajikistan where Russia has a permanent military base to combat trans-national crimes and terrorism.

China and Tajikistan should strengthen cooperation in a bid to effectively fight against terrorism, separatism and extremism, known as the "three forces", and safeguard the security and stability of the two countries.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-03/23/content_1380329.htm



Reference:
To solidify its military presence in Tajikistan, Russia set up a permanent military base last year along the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-02/13/content_1312232.htm