ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has praised China’s remarkable growth and its rise on the global stage, stating that Beijing’s development is a positive force and that the world should not fear it.
In an interview with Chinese state media during his five-day visit to China, President Zardari emphasized that he was greatly impressed by China’s rapid development and transformation over recent decades.
“China has never been an occupier. […] So why should any neighbor fear China, knowing that the Chinese do not interfere in other countries’ affairs? I would never fear China,” he said.
“I would fear other countries, but not China,” he added.
Zardari highlighted the individual achievements of the Chinese people, which he said were contributing to the collective success of the nation.
In early February, President Zardari visited China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. During his stay in Beijing, accompanied by a delegation that included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Senator Saleem Mandviwala, and Dr. Asim Hussain, the president held several meetings with Chinese leaders, including President Xi and Prime Minister Li Qiang.
Discussions during the visit focused on accelerating China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, improving security for Chinese nationals, and enhancing cooperation in sectors such as science and technology, renewable energy, infrastructure, and agriculture. Additionally, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pakistani and Chinese businesses.
In his meeting with Prime Minister Li, Zardari reiterated the longstanding and strong China-Pakistan “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties.
Praising China’s foreign policy, Zardari noted that as a neighbor, Pakistan appreciates China’s non-interference policy regarding the internal matters of other countries, calling it a source of regional stability.
