Strongly rejects speculation that CPEC to be new East India Company
Rizwan Haider
ISLAMABAD: Yao Jing, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan while commenting on a question that is China looking forward to colonize Pakistan, has strongly denied this perception and said that it is childish statement as both countries have brotherly relations based on mutual respect and interests.
He was addressing in a special Seminar on ‘Five years of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a story of success and opportunities,’ organised here by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) in collaboration with Planning Commission and Chinese Embassy.
During question answer session, Brig ® Azam Khan Effandi asked from the Chinese ambassador about his views on a perception being spread by some anti-Pakistan elements in the society that China’s massive investment is aimed at some sort of soft colonization of Pakistan.
Yao Jing, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan not only criticized this perception but also said that China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a win-win project for both Pakistan and China and it would further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. He said that China and Pakistan have long history of friendship and cooperation as both countries stand beside each other in need of time. He was of the view that both countries enjoy strong relations based on mutual interests, respect and integrity. He further said that Pakistan is a stable, influential, proud country with a powerful army and both countries respect each others’ sovereignty.
While talking to scribe, Brig ® Azam Khan Effendi, who is a philanthropist and an advocate of strong Pak-China ties, said that he asked the bitter question because he believed that some anti-Pakistan elements are busy in heinous act of spreading rumors in Pakistani society that CPEC would be a new East India Company and China is planning to colonize Pakistan. He further said that it is crucial time for the country as multi-billion dollar projects are being constructed with the help of China and anti-state elements can’t digest this reality and trying their best to halt this development. He said that in such a time, it is responsibility of patriotic people to come forward in exposing agenda of enemies of Pakistan and letting the people realize about the benefits of CPEC that can change fate of the region. He said that it was need of time that Chinese ambassador himself brush aside such perceptions based on mere speculations. He appreciated Chinese ambassador for his comprehensive answer and strongly rejecting such rumors by terming them childish and irresponsible.