China-Pakistan relations stand weatherproof

ISLAMABAD - Premier Li Keqiang left India for Pakistan Wednesday, the second stop of his first overseas trip as China's new head of government.

It is worth noting that Li is the first foreign leader to visit Pakistan in the wake of the country's general elections.

The two "firsts" testified to the "all-weather strategic partnership" between China and Pakistan, which was cherished and hailed by generations of leaders and peoples of both sides.

Despite the difference in ideology, religion, culture and social system, the bilateral ties have withstood various tests and vicissitudes of international situations since China and Pakistan established diplomatic relations in 1951, thanks to the high level of mutual trust, equality and cooperation.

China and Pakistan have shaped a paradigm of neighbor-to-neighbor relations. Their time-tested friendship, described by some as "higher than the mountains and deeper than the oceans," is not just a bunch of empty words.

Politically, the two have always been a staunch supporter for each other on issues concerning their core interests. Pakistan firmly supports China's position on Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang and human rights. China fully respects the Pakistani people's choice of development path.

In addition, the neighbors have customized their high-level contact by establishing an annual meeting mechanism between their leaders and regular dialogue between their foreign ministers to facilitate and boost their cooperation on regional and international affairs.

Militarily, China eyes pragmatic and effective cooperation with Pakistan, which is in the front line of the fight against international terrorism.

The military exchanges are not directed against any third party and contribute to peace and stability in both the region and the whole world.

In parallel with political and military cooperation, economic ties between China and Pakistan have been strengthened.

In recent years, bilateral trade has kept growing by more than 20 percent annually in spite of global economic slowdown, yielding great dividends for the people in the two countries.

Both sides are increasingly aware of the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges in bilateral ties. An MOU has been signed on establishing cultural centers in both countries. Every year, hundreds of Pakistani students visited and studied in China.

China and Pakistan can always count on each other for sincere and selfless support and assistance. China has taken an active part in the rescue and relief work and reconstruction after massive floods hit Pakistan, while the Pakistanis have done alike for the Chinese.

The world is undergoing profound and complex changes, and it is more imperative for China and Pakistan to strengthen the strategic coordination and cooperation.

Premier Li's visit, during which he will meet Pakistani leaders and sign a host of agreements, is expected to consolidate friendship and enhance cooperation between the two countries.