Foreign Correspondence

[Amaunet]

As the ties between Pakistan and China grow stronger sources claim that "a big mission" has been assigned from South Waziristan that is aimed at shattering the writ of Musharraf in the country.

This region has become a base for fugitive Al-Qaeda fighters, hundreds of whom poured into the district after their Taliban hosts were driven from power by a US-led invasion.

Who is behind this ‘big mission’ to get rid of Musharraf, the United States, al Qaeda or China? Is Musharraf courting China because he perceives them to be a threat? Is the United States trying to get rid of Musharraf because he is leaning toward China? Is al Qaeda pushing to get rid of Musharraf because he is accused of conducting Pakistan’s campaign in the tribal area at the behest of the Americans? Is this why China has been urged to strengthen 2.5 million semi-military in Xinjiang? This will put 2.5 million Chinese semi-military troops up against the borders of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Does China fear a Uighur uprising in Xinjiang if al Qaeda gains more of a foothold in the tribal areas? Is this why the United States has established a Uighur Government-in-Exile in Washington?
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Even more confusing is that China is a long time supporter of al Qaeda.

At any rate this ‘big mission’ if it comes to fruition will bring substantial changes and possibly heavy fighting.

This is only one area where al Qaeda has gained strength.

-Am



Pakistan-China ties will grow stronger, says Aziz

* Chinese state councilor calls on prime minister

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Sunday that China was Pakistan’s closest friend and that their friendship would become stronger.

China’s State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan called on Mr Aziz at Prime Minister’s House. The Chinese state councilor, who is a member of the State Council of China, is heading a high-level delegation to Pakistan. It is the first time a state council’s members has come on an official visit to any country.

Mr Aziz and Mr Jiaxuan discussed various bilateral, regional and international issues.

The prime minister praised Chinese workers for contributions to various projects in Pakistan. He said Chinese engineers and technicians were playing an important role in the growth of Pakistan’s economy. Mr Aziz assured Mr Jiaxuan that the government would take effective measures to protect Chinese working on various projects in Pakistan.

Mr Aziz condoled with Mr Jiaxuan on the death of one of the two Chinese hostages kidnapped in South Waziristan. He said the incident had strengthened the resolve of China and Pakistan to fight terrorism. The Chinese state councilor hoped that Pakistan would increase security for Chinese nationals.

Mr Aziz discussed various projects including the Gwadar port with the Chinese official.

Mr Aziz hoped that Chinese engineers would work with the same dedication and devotion they had been working in the past and would complete the Gwadar port project on schedule.

Mr Aziz informed the Chinese state councilor about dialogue with India and Pakistan’s efforts to bring peace to the region. He hoped that Pakistan and India would resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue.

Mr Jiaxuan said that China supported the dialogue process between India and Pakistan. He said both Pakistan and China supported efforts to bring peace and stability in Afghanistan. Mr Jiaxuan praised President Pervez Musharraf for starting dialogue with India. Mr Jiaxuan expressed hope that Mr Aziz would visit China very soon. The prime minister said he was looking forward to visit China and that he would open Pakistan’s consulate in Shanghai during the visit. Minister of State for Economic Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister of State for Sports, Youth and Culture Muhammad Ali Durrani, Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokhar, and Economic Affairs Secretary Dr Waqar Masood and were at the meeting.

Later, the prime minister hosted a dinner in honour of the Chinese delegation. app


http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_18-10-2004_pg7_15