BEIJING: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Tuesday said that Beijing would firmly adhere to its friendly policy towards Pakistan and “the all-weather ironclad friendship” would not be affected by the leadership change in the country.
“No matter how the political affairs in Pakistan may change, China will firmly adhere to our friendly policy to Pakistan and we don’t believe the political change will affect the bilateral relations whatsoever,” Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said during his regular briefing.
Zhao was asked about the change of leadership in Pakistan after former prime minister Imran Khan was voted out through a no-confidence move. The spokesperson added that China wished all parties in Pakistan to remain united and maintain the stability and development of the country together.
“We noted some changes in the political circle of Pakistan. As a close neighbour and ironclad friend, we sincerely hope all parties in Pakistan will maintain solidarity and jointly uphold stability and development in their country,” he said.
Replying to another question about the claim of foreign interference in no-trust move, he said China was firmly opposed to any other country’s interference.
A day earlier, in his inaugural speech right after being elected as the prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif had said China has been Pakistan’s partner through thick and thin. “No one can snatch Pakistan and China’s friendship from us,” he had said, calling it a “long-lasting relation.”
Shehbaz had also reiterated that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project will be carried forward and that CPEC projects will move forward at a faster pace during his tenure as the premier.
