The Communist Party of Communist (CPC) has turned 100. It has an impressive 95 million members making it the largest party in the world. China has emerged as the world’s most influential and powerful country, bringing a ‘new world’ and vowing that it will never be bullied or subjugated by foreign forces.
This week WHO has declared China malaria-free after a seven decade long effort. China used to report a staggering 30 million cases a year in the 1940s but has eradicated the mosquito-borne disease. Earlier this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the country had achieved the ‘miracle’ of eradicating extreme poverty. The country has lifted nearly 100 million people out of poverty over an eight-year period,
China employed social ideals and capitalist methods to emerge as a force to be reckoned with and tackled the United States head on. World Bank data shows that China contributed to 70 percent of worldwide poverty reduction in the last forty years. China also managed to control its population with the strict one-child policy which has now been relaxed. In the past two years, it has held a remarkable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and has administered more than 700 million vaccines.
China has now even more ambitious plans including building its military – already the largest in the world – and the reunification of breakaway Taiwan, as well as stability in Hong Kong. In recent weeks, China has come under criticism for the clampdown in Hong Kong and the treatment of ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. All the allegations are not finding ground as no global body can challenge the behemoth.
Pakistan has benefited immensely from the rising influence of China as it would have been isolated by the West. Prime Minister Imran Khan has said China has supported Pakistan in difficult times and the ties cannot be affected by pressure, particularly from the United States. There may be concerns about the CPEC but Chinese investments have generally helped Pakistan.
Pakistan needs to strengthen relations with China in politics, trade and economy. We are living in a multi-polarized world and cannot expect to pick sides. It is necessary to we should build our own standing in the world and also choose our friends.
